Serilog (Simple .NET Logging)

Serilog: Simple .NET Logging for Your Applications

Serilog is a powerful and flexible logging library for .NET applications. It provides structured logging, making it easier to search, filter, and analyze log data. Unlike traditional text-based logs, Serilog supports logging to multiple outputs such as files, databases, cloud services, and more.

Why Choose Serilog?

  • Structured Logging: Logs are stored in a structured format (JSON, XML, etc.), making it easier to query and analyze.
  • Multiple Sinks: Supports writing logs to various destinations (console, files, databases, Elasticsearch, etc.).
  • Easy Configuration: Simple to set up and configure with flexible options.
  • Enriching Logs: You can include additional context, such as user IDs, request details, and more.

How to Use Serilog in a .NET Project

Follow these steps to integrate Serilog into your .NET application.

1. Install Serilog via NuGet

Run the following command in the Package Manager Console:

Install-Package Serilog.AspNetCore

2. Configure Serilog in Program.cs (for .NET 6/7/8)

using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Builder;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;
using Serilog;

var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);

// Configure Serilog
Log.Logger = new LoggerConfiguration()
    .WriteTo.Console()
    .WriteTo.File("logs/log-.txt", rollingInterval: RollingInterval.Day)
    .CreateLogger();

builder.Host.UseSerilog();

var app = builder.Build();

app.MapGet("/", () => "Hello, World!");

app.Run();

3. Logging in Your Application

Use Serilog to log information, warnings, and errors:

Log.Information("Application has started successfully.");
Log.Warning("This is a warning message.");
Log.Error("An error occurred: {ErrorMessage}", "Database connection failed");

4. Shutdown Serilog Properly

Ensure Serilog is properly flushed and disposed of when the application exits:

Log.CloseAndFlush();

Conclusion

Serilog is a powerful and efficient logging tool for .NET developers. With structured logging, multiple output options, and easy integration, it simplifies application logging and monitoring. Start using Serilog today to improve your application's logging capabilities!