Log formatters

Handlers can be configured with a log formatter that knows how to format log records. The event, which is represented by the log record object, is passed to the appropriate formatter by the handler. The formatter returns formatted output to the handler, which writes the output to the output device.

The formatter is responsible for rendering the event for output. This formatter uses the resource bundle specified in the event to look up the message in the appropriate language.

Formatters are attached to handlers using the setFormatter method. With WebSphere Application Server, you can configure the formatter to work with trace, the SystemOut.log, and the SystemErr.log log files:

• Basic (Compatible) : Preserves only basic trace information. With this option, you can minimize the amount of space used by the trace output.

• Advanced : Preserves more specific trace information. You can see detailed trace information in troubleshooting and problem determination.

• Log Analyzer : Preserves trace information in a format that is compatible with the Log Analyzer tool, so that you can use the trace output as input to the Log Analyzer tool.

You can select a formatter for a handler using the administrative console panels. See Diagnostic trace service settings for details.

You can find the java.util.logging documentation at http://java.sun.com/j2se/.

Related concepts
Loggers
Log handlers
Log levels
Log filters

Searchable topic ID: ctrb_logformatters