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Custom Logging, FAQ, Troubleshooting, Appender Frameworks, Log4Net, Serilog, Log4J Custom Logging, appender, Log4Net, Serilog, Log4J, .NET, Java, Python, framework Which logging appender framework should you use for Custom Logging? Compare Log4Net, Serilog, Log4J, and custom JSON generation.

Choosing an Appender Framework for Custom Logging

Which appender framework should I use (.NET/Java/Python)?

Choose an appender framework based on your technology stack and deployment model. Appenders provide abstraction, prevent vendor lock-in, and enable logging to multiple destinations simultaneously.

.NET Framework → Use Log4Net

Log4Net Appender for .NET Framework 4.x applications:

  • ✅ Mature, battle-tested logging framework
  • ✅ Nodinite provides custom appender - writes JSON Log Events to intermediate storage
  • ✅ Minimal code changes - configure in app.config or web.config
  • ✅ Supports multiple destinations - Nodinite + local files + Splunk simultaneously

Use cases: Legacy BizTalk integrations, ASP.NET web services, Windows services

Example:

log4net.ILog log = log4net.LogManager.GetLogger("MyIntegration");
log.Info("Order processed", new { OrderId = "PO-12345", CustomerId = "ACME" });

.NET Core / .NET 5-8 → Use Serilog

Serilog for modern .NET Core, .NET 5-8, Azure Functions:

  • ✅ Structured logging with rich context
  • ✅ Nodinite provides Serilog sink - writes to Azure Service Bus, Azure Storage, files
  • ✅ Cloud-native - perfect for Azure Functions, microservices, containers
  • ✅ High performance - asynchronous writing, batching

Use cases: Azure Functions, ASP.NET Core APIs, microservices, serverless

Example:

Log.Information("Order {OrderId} processed for customer {CustomerId}", 
    "PO-12345", "ACME");

Java → Use Log4J or SLF4J

Log4J / SLF4J for Java-based integrations:

  • ✅ Standard Java logging frameworks
  • ✅ Custom appender writes Nodinite JSON Log Events
  • ✅ Works with Apache Camel, Spring Boot, webMethods Java services

Use cases: Apache Camel routes, Spring Boot microservices, webMethods integrations

Example:

logger.info("Order {} processed for customer {}", orderId, customerId);

Python → Use Python logging module

Python logging module with custom handler:

  • ✅ Built-in Python standard library
  • ✅ Custom handler writes JSON to queue/file
  • ✅ Structured logging with dictionaries

Use cases: Python batch jobs, Flask/Django APIs, data pipelines

Example:

logging.info("Order processed", extra={
    "OrderId": "PO-12345", 
    "CustomerId": "ACME"
})

Node.js → Use Winston or Bunyan

Winston / Bunyan for Node.js integrations:

  • ✅ Popular Node.js logging libraries
  • ✅ Custom transport writes JSON Log Events
  • ✅ Supports structured logging

Use cases: Express.js APIs, Node.js microservices, serverless functions

Example (Winston):

logger.info("Order processed", { 
    orderId: "PO-12345", 
    customerId: "ACME" 
});

Custom JSON Generation → Any Platform

Handcraft JSON Log Events for platforms without appender support:

  • ✅ Works with any technology (Go, Rust, PHP, Ruby, PowerShell, etc.)
  • ✅ Full control over JSON structure
  • ✅ Follow JSON Log Event specification

Use cases: MuleSoft (use Mule ESB Custom Connector), IBM Sterling, TEIS, custom platforms

Example (any language):

{
  "LogAgentValueId": 42,
  "EndPointName": "Custom Integration",
  "OriginalMessageTypeName": "PurchaseOrder#1.0",
  "ApplicationInterchangeId": "a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890",
  "LogMessage": "Order processed",
  "StateCode": 0,
  "Body": "<Order>...</Order>"
}

Decision Matrix

Platform Recommended Framework Why
.NET Framework 4.x Log4Net Appender Mature, proven, minimal changes
.NET Core / .NET 5-8 Serilog Modern, cloud-native, structured
Azure Functions Serilog Serverless-optimized
Java (Camel, Spring) Log4J / SLF4J Java standard
Python logging module Built-in, simple
Node.js Winston / Bunyan Popular, flexible
MuleSoft Mule ESB Custom Connector Pre-built connector
webMethods Log4J (Java services) or custom Platform-specific
Other platforms Custom JSON generation Universal compatibility

Need templates? Review Hello World Sample (.NET) or Mule ESB Custom Connector for reference implementations.

Related Topics:
Log4Net Appender Documentation
Serilog Documentation
JSON Log Event Format

See all FAQs: Troubleshooting Overview

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