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This book describes two logging APIs. The first third of the book describes the simpler JDK 1.4 logging API, and the second part the more complex Apache log4j API, which also offers more features and flexibility. I think it is a good choice to cover both APIs in one book, because for small projects, the JDK Logging API might be sufficient. By reading this book, a developer can make a choice whether he needs the more complex Apache log4j, or whether the simple JDK logging API might do the job. The similarities and differences are well explained between the two APIs.

This book is not a reference with a complete interface of the two APIs, and it does not give a reference of the syntax of the configuration files, especially for log4j. However, I did not think that this is such a negative point of the book, because it would have added many pages that might not be very useful. If you want to find out about the details of the APIs, there is no better place than the JavaDoc and possible a few other documents online. The book is well written, and explains correctly the ideas behind the two logging APIs. A few UML class and interaction diagrams are given to explain the interaction between the various classes and interfaces that constitutes the two logging frameworks. The examples do support the text very well and I found this a very pleasant book to read. One thing is maybe not yet stressed enough in this book and that is the enormous value of good configurable logging statements in your application. It is very important that a developer learns to discern the points where a logging statement is required, to be able to correctly trace problems in the future.