Log Aggregation Setup Workflow
Set up centralized log aggregation to collect, search, and alert on logs from all services in one place.
Objective
Centralize application logs for cross-service searching and alerting.
Environment
- Multiple services producing logs
- A log aggregation platform
- Log shipping agent
Steps
1. Configure log format
Ensure all services output structured JSON logs with consistent fields.
Expected state: All services produce structured logs with common fields.
2. Set up log shipper
Install and configure the log shipping agent on each service host.
Expected state: Logs are being shipped to the aggregation platform.
3. Create indexes
Configure index patterns and retention policies in the aggregation platform.
Expected state: Logs are indexed and searchable with appropriate retention.
4. Build dashboards
Create dashboards for key log fields: error rate, latency, request volume.
Expected state: Log dashboards are available for monitoring.
5. Set up alerts
Create alerts for error spikes, specific error patterns, and log volume anomalies.
Expected state: Alerts fire when log patterns indicate problems.
Decision points
JSON or plain text logs?
- JSON for structured querying
- Plain text for simplicity
Use JSON for machine processing and querying; plain text is acceptable for single-service setups.
Expected outcome
All service logs are centralized, searchable, and monitored with dashboards and alerts.
Verification
Generate a test log entry and confirm it appears in the aggregation platform within 30 seconds.
Cleanup
Remove the test log entry after verification.
Central logs tell the whole story
When a request spans multiple services, only centralized logs can show the complete path and pinpoint the failure.
Implementation Notes
This workflow provides a structured approach to ensure consistent results across team members and environments.
Common Pitfalls
Skipping verification steps or rushing through the process can lead to incomplete results. Always follow each step in order and verify before proceeding.
Quick Reference
# Execute the workflow steps as documented above
echo "Workflow completed successfully"