SimpleLog-Topic: A Fast, Lightweight, and Flexible C/C++ Logger (Introduction written by ChatGPT, and I accepted.)
Logging is an essential part of any software system, helping developers gain insights into application behavior, debug issues, and monitor production systems. However, many logging libraries often introduce unnecessary complexity and performance overhead. SimpleLog-Topic was designed to address these issues, offering a fast, efficient, and easy-to-use logging solution for both C and C++ applications.
SimpleLog-Topic is built to support C89 through to C++20, making it a versatile choice for a wide variety of projects. Whether you're working with legacy C code or using modern C++ features, SimpleLog-Topic integrates seamlessly into your application. This logger is not just about speed—it's about simplicity, performance, and flexibility, designed with both embedded systems and large-scale applications in mind.
At its core, SimpleLog-Topic follows the Unix Philosophy of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) and aims to be a tribute to the incredible work of W. Richard Stevens, whose Unix Network Programming books and contributions have profoundly influenced systems programming and network design. This tool is built with his principles of clarity, elegance, and efficiency in mind, ensuring that developers can achieve powerful logging without unnecessary complexity or bloat.
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Minimal Latency:
SimpleLog-Topic is designed to minimize latency in logging, even when the system is under heavy load. Whether you’re dealing with real-time systems or large volumes of logs, SimpleLog-Topic ensures fast log writing with minimal delay. simplelog.cfg -
Low Memory Usage:
The library is optimized to use minimal memory. Memory buffers are dynamically adjusted based on the available system resources, allowing SimpleLog-Topic to be used in resource-constrained embedded systems without consuming unnecessary memory.simplelog.cfg -
Asynchronous Logging Support:
SimpleLog-Topic offers asynchronous logging capabilities, allowing logs to be written in the background without blocking the main application flow. This ensures that logging does not interfere with the critical performance of the application. -
Log Rotation and Buffering:
With configurable log rotation and buffering options, SimpleLog-Topic can handle large volumes of log data efficiently without causing performance degradation. You can control when log files are rotated or how much data should be kept in memory at any given time.
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Performance-Focused: SimpleLog-Topic provides fast, low-latency logging without sacrificing efficiency, even under heavy load or in high-concurrency applications.
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Flexible and Configurable: It adapts to various system environments, from small embedded devices with limited memory to high-performance mainframes. You can configure buffer sizes, logging levels, and memory usage according to your system’s needs.
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Scalable for Large-Scale Systems: Whether you’re processing millions or billions of log records, SimpleLog-Topic scales seamlessly without compromising performance.
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Simple and Easy to Use: The minimalistic API keeps things simple, adhering to the Unix philosophy of KISS, making it easy to integrate and maintain.
W. Richard Stevens was a pioneer in the field of network programming and systems design, best known for his influential work, Unix Network Programming. His writing, characterized by clarity, precision, and practical insight, has shaped the way developers approach system-level programming. SimpleLog-Topic is inspired by Stevens' philosophy of simplicity, efficiency, and clarity.
By following the Unix philosophy of KISS, SimpleLog-Topic strives to provide developers with a straightforward, efficient logging tool that doesn’t get in the way of your application. It’s designed to be fast, minimal, and reliable—exactly the qualities Stevens emphasized in his work.
This tool is a tribute to his legacy—a small way to express gratitude for the profound impact his work has had on the software development community. We honor Richard Stevens not only through the design of SimpleLog-Topic but also by continuing his tradition of writing tools that are practical, elegant, and powerful.
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Embedded Systems: With low memory consumption and flexible configuration options, SimpleLog-Topic is an excellent choice for embedded devices with limited resources.
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Multithreaded and Distributed Systems: SimpleLog-Topic handles high-concurrency environments efficiently, making it ideal for multithreaded applications and distributed systems where logging overhead needs to be minimized.
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Real-Time Systems: For real-time applications that require precise timestamps and low-latency logging, SimpleLog-Topic’s nanosecond precision timestamps are crucial for accurate tracking and performance monitoring.
SimpleLog-Topic is more than just a logging library; it is a tribute to Richard Stevens and his dedication to clear, efficient systems programming. By following the Unix Philosophy of KISS, it provides a fast, lightweight, and scalable logging solution that is easy to integrate and maintain. Its superior performance, multithreaded optimizations, and minimal resource consumption make it an ideal choice for both small embedded devices and large-scale applications.
SimpleLog-Topic isn't just about logging—it's about building a better, more efficient foundation for your application, with a tool that allows you to focus on what's important: your core functionality.
simplelog-topic SimpleLog-Topic is open-source and available on GitHub. Feel free to contribute, modify, or integrate it into your projects, and be part of a community that values simplicity, performance, and the principles of Unix.
By using SimpleLog-Topic, you’re not just choosing a powerful logging solution—you’re embracing the legacy of Richard Stevens, honoring his work in Unix network programming, and following his principles of creating clear, efficient, and practical tools.
Thanks a lot to:
- My family, friends.
- My colleagues: Lê Duy Cường, Bùi Khánh Duy, Nguyễn Công Đức , ... .
- Jan Flik from Intel Corp.