Standard output messages

Station output log messages include errors and warnings that let you know why something is not working, as well as simple informational messages about events as they occur. If needed, you can also change the log level of station output.

The general format of a station output log message is:

TYPE [timestamp] [station_process] message_text

For example:

INFO [17:05:18 16-Feb-15 EST][fox] FOXS server started on port [4911]

Message log types seen in station output include the following, by leading text descriptor:

  • INFO is typical of most default station output log messages. Usually, each message lets you know some process milestone was started or reached, such as a service or the station itself.

    INFO is equivalent to the MESSAGE level in the station log output.

  • WARNING informs you of a potential problem, such as an inability to open a specific port. Typically, warnings do not keep a station from starting.

    WARNING is equivalent to the (same) WARNING level in the station log output.

  • SEVERE informs you of a problem that might keep the station from starting. Or, if it can start, an error that prevents some function of the station from operating correctly. Often an exception is produced.

    SEVERE is equivalent to the ERROR level in the station log output.

  • FINE is a verbose debug-level message that may be generated upon every process transaction. Typically, this is useful only in advanced debugging mode. You see these for station processes only if you have set the log level at FINE or even finer (FINER, FINEST, ALL) level.

    Such levels, FINE, FINER, FINEST, are equivalent to the TRACE level in the station log output.

In addition to the verbose output messages, occasionally you may see a string of Java exception text in the station’s output. This indicates an unforeseen station execution issue, which can range from a licensing problem, a mis-configuration, or some other unexpected problem. If an unexplained exception reoccurs, copy the exception text and report the problem to Systems Engineering.

Station output logs in Niagara 4 use a standard Java logging API (java.util.logging). Any Niagara 4 station has a standard DebugService (LoggingService) for making changes.