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Logging Messages with syslog

The syslog command in the ChromeOS Shell allows users to log custom messages directly to the system log. This is particularly useful for marking events or adding context to logs for troubleshooting and debugging purposes.

Usage

syslog <message>

Parameters

  • <message>: The text of the message to log. Enclose the message in quotes if it contains spaces or special characters.

Examples

1. Log a Simple Message

syslog "System update initiated"

This logs the message "System update initiated" to the system log.

2. Add Context Before an Operation

syslog "Starting disk cleanup"
disk_cleanup --all
syslog "Disk cleanup completed"

This sequence logs messages before and after a disk cleanup operation, making it easier to locate relevant log entries.

3. Debugging with Custom Markers

syslog "Debug: Entering function X"
# Code execution
syslog "Debug: Exiting function X"

This approach is helpful for identifying execution flow or timing issues.

Additional Information

  • Log Location: Messages are logged to the system's primary logging service and can be viewed using commands like dmesg or by checking log files in /var/log/.
  • Timestamping: All logged messages are automatically timestamped by the logging system.
  • Persistent Logging: Messages logged with syslog remain accessible as long as system logs are retained.

Best Practices

  1. Use Descriptive Messages

  2. Write messages that clearly convey the event or state being logged.

  3. Combine with Scripts

  4. Use syslog in scripts to annotate operations or flag important events for easier troubleshooting.

  5. Check Logs Regularly

  6. Periodically review logs to ensure critical messages are being logged and no unexpected issues are occurring.

The syslog command is an invaluable tool for developers and administrators seeking to maintain detailed and actionable system logs.