10 Best Practices for Logging in Node.js

Within a short time of its emergence, Node.js has gained prominence as one of the top platforms for building rich applications. Some of the global companies are using Node.js in their backend development to leverage the benefits of this powerful language. Logging is an important part of the Node Js development where all the information about the application's runtime is recorded. These logging files play a crucial role in helping developers for finding the precise errors and bugs from runtime applications.

Node.js logging best practices? Here are the 10 Best things about logging best practices Nodejs application.

1. Logs must cover the right information for the source, timestamp, levels, and context that provides real-time status for the application. 

2. Use correct methods and inputs for Logging errors with precise detail and should not produce side effects or throw an exception. Specific logs give developers more descriptive information to create a bug-free environment for their application users.

3. Follow the prevailing regulations:

There are certain regulations that each of the application needs to follow for information that can be stored or not. Sensitive information including personal data, username, and password, financial details like card number, CVV number, email address, etc. Developers must plan this thoroughly by preparing a list and masking them before logging for ensuring data privacy. The latest changes in GDPR further make these regulations strictly for hiding customer information necessary. 

4. Understand the log levels:

Categorizing your logs helps an organization to handle a large number of data sets proficiently. These log levels save a lot of information about the success or failure of a particular function of the application. Creating log levels eases the developer's burden for finding and then correcting them simultaneously. Here are the most important levels and their precise usage.

INFO: Important messages that include events, services start/stop, tasks such as new user creation. 

DEBUG: Current state information like function calling and their parameters, validations, workflow, and databases that helps developers to trace bugs in the application. 

WARN: These logs are a specific warning about the application with alerts or notification about something wrong for giving admins heads-up for fixing them in the future.

ERROR: These logs give fatal alerts for the operation that needs to be checked on priority such as missing services, database down with communication, etc. 

5. Use Winston effectively:

Node.js has default built-in logging framework 'Winston'. It a powerful logging tool to help you maintain smooth information about the NodeJs application. It is easy to install and has a different logging level with values that you can use efficiently. Winston has a fully customized console with messages, colors and output details. Though it is recommended to use the latest version always. 

6. Follow a style guide:

Using standards in style guide is a must for logging node.js for bringing uniformity in their lines of code. These small spaces to tabs, bracing, etc help developers to understand the code more clearly and consistently. 

7. Environment Variable is a good option:

Especially for Node.je, it is recommended to use environment variables. Values are available in process.env in your code for determining which specific environment your program is running on. Find the NODE_ENV variable and configure it for logging precisely. 

8. Morgan:

Winston works perfectly with Morgan, an HTTP request logger for collecting server logs, simplifying them and standardize. They both compliment each other perfectly while Morgan works well with express.js too. 

9. Try alternatives Intel Package:

Though the combination of Winston and Morgan is a great fit, still there are alternatives available with the Intel package solution. It has several unique options with a comprehensive package including a stack trace object, as a JSON object to pass messages for the logger chain. Most of these features help developers in the process of debugging. 

10. Dealing with errors:

Whether your application is small or large, there are likely chances it will throw errors in different forms that can bring down your program or software. Developers must use exception management and async structure for handling any errors. Users enjoy working on a bug-free application rather than stuck on unnecessary tasks.

Conclusion:

Following the right logging best practices nodejs application which helps developers to save precise information about application status in the runtime. Pinpoint errors, bugs, and downtime to correct them for keeping the application running at optimal speed following standardization in codes. Even in the case of cyber-attacks, these logs secure the right information for developers to customize changes. Several top companies around the world are using Node Js Development in their IT architecture for scaling their business to new heights. 

At Cuelogic, we offer Custom Software Development Services for businesses to integrate with their IT architecture in leveraging huge benefits for web and mobile app development. Our Nodejs experts are highly skilled and experienced to take your business to newer heights with ease of scalability, flexibility and enhancing its reach to meet the market demands.