Error logs record problems encountered by web servers, applications, and runtimes. They can explain failed requests, scheduled tasks, and application errors.

Start With the Time

Reproduce the issue when safe, note the exact time and URL, and inspect entries from that period.

Useful Fields

• Timestamp
• Severity
• Request or URL
• Error message
• File and line number

Look for Patterns

Repeated errors are more informative than isolated warnings. Look for updates, deployments, configuration changes, or traffic spikes that occurred before the errors began.

Logs can contain sensitive information. Remove credentials, tokens, and personal information before sharing excerpts.