Introduction to log analysis

Every Web server comprises a repository of all actions and events that occur on the server. This repository is called the "Logs" directory and contains a raw log file called "Log". This file contains raw information (information that is not formatted or analyzed; simply plain statistical data) that characterizes user traffic on Web sites, and is updated on a nightly basis.

Server logs can be used to quantify user traffic. Intelligent analysis of this data provides a statistical baseline that can be used to determine server load, failed requests and other events that throw light on site usage patterns. This information provides valuable leads on marketing and site management activities.

A typical log report conveys the following:

- The number of requests received by your server

- The date and time when the request was made

- The pages or files requested

- The address of the requesting host

- The page from which a user visited your site

- The last page viewed by a user on the site