Which logging library is better? [closed]

Question

I was wondering; which logging libraries for Delphi do you prefer?

• CodeSite
• SmartInspect
• Log4Delphi
• TraceFormat

Please try to add a reasoning why you prefer one over the other if you've used more than one.

I'll add suggestions to this question to keep things readable.

Answer 1

I've used Codesite and it has been fantastic. On one project, a word-processor, I could easily output a million debug lines, all structured, and Codesite helped greatly with its auto-collapsing indented output. For any task where you have to know what really is happening "underneath" a process that can't be interrupted by user interaction, Codesite is really good. I recommend it heartily.

Answer 2

SmartInspect is really useful. It is the only one I have used. The logging library is good, but the console and the remote TCP/IP logging takes it over the top. I think CodeSite has some similar features.

Answer 3

Take a look at the features of this Open Source unit: http://blog.synopse.info/post/2011/04/14/Enhanced-logging-in-SynCommons

• logging with a set of levels (not only a hierarchy of levels);
• fast, low execution overhead;
• can load .map file symbols to be used in logging;
• compression of .map into binary .mab (900 KB -> 70 KB);
• optional inclusion of the .map/.mab into the .exe;
• handle libraries (.ocx/.dll);
• exception logging (Delphi or low-level exceptions) with unit names and line numbers;
• optional stack trace with units and line numbers;
• methods or procedure recursive tracing, with Enter and auto-Leave;
• high resolution time stamps, for customer-side profiling of the application execution;
• set / enumerates / TList / TPersistent / TObjectList / dynamic array JSON serialization;
• per-thread, rotating or global logging;
• multiple log files on the same process;
• optional colored console display;
• optional redirected logging (e.g. to third party library, or to a remote server);
• log viewer GUI application, with per event or per thread filters, and method execution profiler;
• Open Source, works from Delphi 5 up to XE6 (Win32 and Win64).

Your feedback is welcome!

Answer 4

And don't forget the free open source TraceTool