Tinylog: The Definitive Guide to Lightweight Java Logging

What is Tinylog?

Tinylog is a lightweight and modern logging framework for Java and Android applications that prioritizes simplicity and performance. With its minimal footprint and straightforward API, Tinylog offers an appealing alternative to more complex logging solutions, particularly for resource-constrained environments or applications where simplicity is paramount.

Why Choose Tinylog Over Larger Frameworks

Tinylog distinguishes itself from other logging frameworks through several key advantages:

• Ultra-Lightweight: Minimal dependencies and small JAR size (approximately 100KB) reduce application bloat.
• Exceptional Performance: Optimized for speed with minimal overhead, particularly for disabled log statements.
• Thread-Based Logging: Unique design that associates loggers with threads rather than classes for simplified usage.
• Simplified Configuration: Straightforward property-based configuration without complex XML hierarchies.
• Static Logger API: Provides a static logging API that eliminates the need to create logger instances.
• Low Memory Footprint: Designed to minimize memory consumption in production environments.
• Built-in Android Support: Native compatibility with Android applications without additional adapters.

Getting Started with Tinylog

To implement Tinylog in your Java application, add the following Maven dependencies:

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<dependencies>
  <dependency>
    <groupId>org.tinylog</groupId>
    <artifactId>tinylog-api</artifactId>
    <version>2.6.2</version>
  </dependency>
  
  <dependency>
    <groupId>org.tinylog</groupId>
    <artifactId>tinylog-impl</artifactId>
    <version>2.6.2</version>
  </dependency>
</dependencies>

Tinylog's API offers both a static approach and a traditional instance-based approach:

Static API (Recommended)

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import org.tinylog.Logger;
public class Example {
  public void doSomething(String parameter) {
    Logger.info("Processing started with parameter: {}", parameter);
    try {
      
      // Business logic here
      Logger.debug("Operation details: {}", someVariable);
    } catch (Exception e) {
      Logger.error(e, "Operation failed");
    }
  }
}

Instance-based API

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import org.tinylog.TaggedLogger;
import org.tinylog.Loggers;
public class Example {
  private static final TaggedLogger logger = Loggers.tag("component");
  public void doSomething(String parameter) {
    logger.info("Processing started with parameter: {}", parameter);
    try {
      // Business logic here
      logger.debug("Operation details: {}", someVariable);
    } catch (Exception e) {
      logger.error(e, "Operation failed");
    }
  }
}

Configuration is done through a simple tinylog.properties file:

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writer = console
writer.format = {date} [{thread}] {class}.{method}() {level}: {message}
level = info

Enhancing Tinylog with OpenTelemetry Observability

While Tinylog excels at simplicity and performance for logging, modern applications benefit from comprehensive observability that connects logs with metrics and traces. Our OpenTelemetry native observability solution transforms Tinylog from a standalone logging utility into a key component of your overall monitoring strategy.

Key benefits of integrating Tinylog with our OpenTelemetry solution include:

1. Lightweight Observability: Maintains Tinylog's minimal footprint while adding powerful distributed tracing capabilities.
2. Automatic Context Correlation: Enriches log entries with trace and span IDs without manual coding or performance impact.
3. Centralized Log Management: Streams logs to our unified observability platform alongside metrics and traces.
4. Advanced Filtering and Analysis: Applies sophisticated analytics to your Tinylog data beyond basic filtering.
5. Custom Writer Extension: Our specialized OpenTelemetry writer preserves Tinylog's simplicity while adding observability features.

Integration is straightforward through our custom Tinylog writer that sends logs directly to our OpenTelemetry-based observability platform:

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writer = opentelemetry
writer.format = {date} [{thread}] {class}.{method}() {level}: {message}
level = info

Analyzing OpenTelemetry Logs in Dash0

Logs can be directly routed into Dash0. Dash0 with OpenTelemetry provides the ability to filter, search, group, and triage within a simple user interface, with full keyboard support. Dash0 also gives full log context by showing trace context, the call and resource that created the log - including details like the Kubernetes Pod, server, and cloud environment.

Log AI also enhanced the logs with more semantical metadata and structure without any manual pattern declaration.

Conclusion

Tinylog represents an excellent choice for applications prioritizing simplicity, performance, and minimal dependencies. Its straightforward API and configuration make it particularly appealing for smaller applications, microservices, and environments where resources are constrained.

By enhancing Tinylog with our OpenTelemetry native observability solution, you transform this lightweight logging framework into a sophisticated telemetry source that seamlessly integrates with your broader monitoring strategy. This combination delivers the simplicity and performance developers appreciate about Tinylog with the comprehensive observability modern applications demand.

Whether you're developing resource-constrained applications, microservices, or Android apps, Tinylog with OpenTelemetry integration provides an efficient path to improved visibility without sacrificing the performance benefits that made you choose Tinylog in the first place.