What are the best practices for logging in Go using Zap?

What are the best practices for logging in Go using Zap?

When using Zap for logging in Go, consider the following best practices: 1. Use structured logging to capture key-value pairs. 2. Set appropriate log levels (Debug, Info, Warn, Error) to control output. 3. Avoid logging sensitive information. 4. Use context to enrich logs with request-specific data. 5. Configure log output formats (JSON, console) based on your needs.

Can you explain why structured logging is important?

Structured logging is important because it allows logs to be easily parsed and analyzed by machines. This makes it simpler to search, filter, and aggregate logs, which is crucial for debugging and monitoring applications.

What log levels should I use in my application?

You should use log levels to indicate the severity of the logs: 1. Debug for detailed information during development. 2. Info for general operational messages. 3. Warn for potential issues that aren't errors. 4. Error for actual errors that need attention. 5. Fatal for critical issues that cause the application to crash.

How can I avoid logging sensitive information?

To avoid logging sensitive information, you can: 1. Use a whitelist approach to log only necessary fields. 2. Mask or redact sensitive data before logging. 3. Review your logging statements to ensure no sensitive information is included.