Different strings in logging messages

[lhannay]

Hi,

I am new to AOP and love the concept! I am in the process of removing my embedded logging messages and replacing them with aspects.

Here's my question: Many of my logging messages consist of specific strings. Sometimes the message consists of just a string (e.g. "Null prodcut ID") and sometimes it's a string coupled with runtime information (e.g. "Search returned more than one match for " + customerID).

In all of the Spring/AOP/logging examples I have seen there is just a simple generic output string that can be applied to all cases. For example:

log.debug("Beginning method: " + method.getName());
-OR-
log.error("Exception in method: " + method.getName() + 
            "Exception is: " + ex.getMessage());

Is there any way to customize your logging messages with specific strings?

Thanks,
Larry

[ramnivas]

You may get what you need by using separate pointcuts and advice for each kind of situation.

However, from what you describe, it sounds like you need a custom message for each kind of situation. Unless those situations occur in multiple places, aspects may not offer the best solution. Generally, in a typical application, you use aspects to perform crosscutting form of logging (entering/exiting methods, handing exceptions, calling specific methods, changing the state of objects of certain kinds, etc.). For business-specific logging, the direct call is often the best solution.

-Ramnivas

[lhannay]

Thanks a lot, Ramnivas. That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure because I'm just starting out and I figured there was a good chance I was missing something. (After all, there is quite a lot! :-)

Again, thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

-- Larry