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Error Logging: Record Errors

Log errors. To files. To syslog. Track them.

Here's the thing: Log errors. Track them. Fix them.

Log to File​

log_error() {
    echo "$(date): ERROR: $1" >> error.log
}

log_error "Something failed"

My take: Log to file. Track errors.

Log to syslog​

logger "Error message"

My take: logger sends to syslog. Use it.

Common Patterns​

Log Function​

log() {
    local level=$1
    shift
    echo "$(date): [$level] $*" >> app.log
}

log ERROR "Something failed"

What's Next?​

Now that you understand error logging, let's talk about Debugging Techniques.

Personal note: Error logging seemed unnecessary at first. Then I needed it. Now I log everything. It helps. Do it.