Log Files

The growth of log files

One log file is like one wood chip—not very valuable. However, collect tons of wood chips and it becomes a saleable commodity. Likewise, if we collect enough log files, we can discover value.

Left unchecked, however, log files on individual machines are a risk. When log files grow without bound, they’ll eventually fill up their filesystem. Whether that’s a volume set aside for logs, the root disk, or the application installation directory, it means trouble. When log files fill up the filesystem, they jeopardize stability. That’s because of the different negative effects that can occur when the filesystem is full.