This book covers in detail the most popular Java-based Logging API named Apache Log4j. This book is based on the most recent release version 1.2.9. The book includes a step-by-step approach in explaining the concepts from the very basics to the advanced concepts. Apart from explaining in details the architecture of the API and it use; this book also shows how to extend the API to write custom components.

It also describes the best practices involved in using this feature rich log4j API. This book finally also provides a comparison with the other popular JDK Logging API bundled with JDK itself.

Samudra Gupta has more than eight years of experience in Java- and J2EE-related technologies. At present, he is working as a Java/J2EE consultant in the United Kingdom through his own company, SSG Solutions Ltd. His domain expertise is in the public sector tax and information content management systems, retail industry, and e-commerce-based applications. He holds a post-graduate degree in information technology and management form All India Management Association, New Delhi. Gupta actively contributes articles to Web sites, magazines, and journals such as JavaWorld and Java Developer's Journal, and is a monthly contributor to JavaBoutique. When not programming, he loves playing contract bridge and 10-pin bowling.