A server log is a file (or several files) automatically created and maintained by a server of activity performed by it.

A typical example is a web server log which maintains a history of page requests. The W3C maintains a standard format for web server log files, but other proprietary formats exist. More recent entries are typically appended to the end of the file. Information about the request, including client IP address, request date/time, page requested, HTTP code, bytes served, user agent, and referer are typically added. These data can be combined into a single file, or separated into distinct logs, such as an access log, error log, or referer log. However, server logs typically do not collect user-specific information.

These files are usually not accessible to general Internet users, only to the webmaster or other administrative person. A statistical analysis of the server log may be used to examine traffic patterns by time of day, day of week, referrer, or user agent. Efficient web site administration and adequate hosting resources can be aided by analysis of the web server logs.

See also

• web counter

External links

• Apache HTTP Server Log Files Documentation
• W3C Extended Log File Format
• Web Entry Miner (WEM)