What does "log" mean in programming?

log is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.

Definition

A recorded entry of an event that happened in an application. Logs are used to monitor behavior, diagnose problems, and trace the sequence of events that led to an error.

Example

"Add a log statement to see the value of the variable at runtime."

Word forms

Form	Type	Meaning	Example
log	noun	A recorded message or event produced by a running application	"Check the server logs for the error message."
log	verb (infinitive)	To record a message or event for later inspection	"Log the request body so we can debug the issue."
logged	past tense	Already recorded as a log entry	"The error was logged but never alerted."
logging	gerund	The practice of recording messages from a running application	"Logging every request adds latency, so log selectively."

Related terms

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