Logging Basics in Django

Getting a Logger in a View

Each module gets its own logger by name, usually set to __name__. Calling methods like .info() or .error() on it records a message at that severity level.

Example: Getting a Logger in a View

Each module gets its own logger by name, usually set to __name__. Calling methods like .info() or .error() on it records a message at that severity level.

import logging

logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)

def checkout_view(request):
    logger.info('Checkout started for user %s', request.user.id)
    return render(request, 'checkout.html')

Configuring LOGGING in settings.py

The LOGGING setting defines handlers (where messages go) and loggers (which messages get sent where, at what minimum level). A basic console handler is enough to get useful output during development.

Example: Configuring LOGGING in settings.py

The LOGGING setting defines handlers (where messages go) and loggers (which messages get sent where, at what minimum level). A basic console handler is enough to get useful output during development.

# settings.py
LOGGING = {
    'version': 1,
    'disable_existing_loggers': False,
    'handlers': {'console': {'class': 'logging.StreamHandler'}},
    'root': {'handlers': ['console'], 'level': 'INFO'},
}

Choosing the Right Log Level

DEBUG is for detailed diagnostic info during development, INFO for routine events, WARNING for something unexpected but non-fatal, and ERROR for a failure that needs attention. Picking the right level keeps logs useful instead of noisy.

Note: Reserve ERROR and above for things that actually need someone's attention.

Example: Choosing the Right Log Level

DEBUG is for detailed diagnostic info during development, INFO for routine events, WARNING for something unexpected but non-fatal, and ERROR for a failure that needs attention. Picking the right level keeps logs useful instead of noisy.

import logging

logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)

def process_payment(order):
    logger.debug('Processing payment for order %s', order.id)
    if order.total <= 0:
        logger.warning('Order %s has a non-positive total', order.id)
        return False
    logger.info('Payment succeeded for order %s', order.id)
    return True