The Log Analyzer which is part of the WebSphere Application Server, takes one or more service or activity logs, merges all of the data, and displays the entries. Based on its symptom database, the tool analyzes and interprets the event or error conditions in the log entries to help you diagnose problems. Log Analyzer has a special feature enabling it to download the latest symptom database from the IBM Web site. To download the latest updates to the symptom database, use the File > Update Database > WebSphere Application Server Symptom Database option for WebSphere Application Server, or WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment Symptom Database option for WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment in the Log Analyzer interface.
The WebSphere Application Server server creates a service or activity log file from the activity of the various WebSphere Application Server components. The service or activity log file is called activity.log and is a binary file located in the installation_directory/logs/activity log directory. The Log Analyzer is used to view the service or activity log file, and can merge service or activity log files into one log file. The service or activity log cannot be viewed using a text editor. The Log Analyzer tool is designed for viewing this file. For more information about the activity.log file, see the WebSphere Application Server System Administration Guide.
Viewing logs using the Log Analyzer
To view the service or activity log using the Log Analyzer:
- Change to the WASinstall_dir/bin directory.
- Run the waslogbr script file:
This starts the Log Analyzer interface.
- Select File > Open.
- Navigate to the directory containing the service or activity log file.
- Select the service or activity log file and click Open.
- To analyze the records, right click on a record in the tree on the left, select UnitOfWorkView from the right-click menu, and select Analyze.
Now any records with a green check mark next to them match a record in the symptom database. When you select a check-marked record, you will see an explanation of the problem in the lower-right-hand pane. For more information on the Log Analyzer user interface, see the WebSphere Application Server Information Center.
Viewing logs using a text file
To view your log files, you can use any text editor. Your log files can be found in the logs directory where the WebSphere Commerce Server is installed. Normally this is in the appserver/logs directory but can be changed. The following is an example of the path you can use to find the log files:
WAS_installdir/logs/WC_instance_name/trace.log
Note: Use a text editor other than VI to view the generated WebSphere Commerce log files. The lines are too lengthy for VI and as a result, cannot be viewed properly.