Disable HttpClient logging

Logging framework configuration

One-size-fits-all solution isn't a preference? Let's configure the logging frameworks individually for a consistent HttpClient experience.

Configuring Log4j

In Log4j, you need to locate the log4j.properties file and target the verbose httpclient.wire loggers:

// Quiet please, we're coding here 🤫
log4j.logger.httpclient.wire.header=WARN
log4j.logger.httpclient.wire.content=WARN
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These steps silence the constant coughing of headers and content logs.

Configuring Logback

If Logback is your logger, you need to tweak logback.xml. Let's stick to the essentials:

// Silence the noise. Ahh, sweet serenity 🌿
<logger name="org.apache" level="WARN"/>
<logger name="httpclient" level="WARN"/>
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Configuring java.util.logging

For java.util.logging fans, the logging.properties file holds your peace:

// Only urgent calls to be taken 📞
org.apache.http.wire.level=SEVERE
org.apache.http.headers.level=SEVERE
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Key points to remember

• Commons-Logging requires you to specify the logging implementation in commons-logging.properties.
• Don't forget to test your new logging configurations to ensure no sneaky noises slip through!
• Pay attention when incorporating new test suites. Adjust the HttpClient logging to manageable levels - either WARN or ERROR to avoid floods of excessive details.

Advanced adjustments and configurations

When default settings fail to turn down the noise, perhaps it's time for an upgrade.

Maven configurations

For Maven builds, you can pass logging options as system properties without changing your code:

// Setting the mood for Maven 💅💼
<properties>
  <log4j.logger.httpclient.wire.level>ERROR</log4j.logger.httpclient.wire.level>
</properties>


Filtering messages

A clean log is a happy log. Log4j, Logback, or java.util.logging, you can filter out the noise:

• Make use of filters or custom appenders if you wanted to call shots on what gets displayed.
• Redirect your logging output to keep the main log files neat and tidy.

Using external tools

JMX and AOP are two external tools that may add power to your logging game:

• Use JMX if you want to dynamically adjust logging levels even in a running application.
• AOP (Aspect-Oriented Programming), on the other hand, can help you activate logging where it is most crucial.

Common pitfalls and solutions

Given the pitfalls, knowing how to navigate them becomes absolutely essential.

• Be on a lookout for overlapping configurations. It can result in unexpected log behaviors.
• Understand the logger hierarchy. Remember, setting the level on a parent logger reflects on its child loggers too.
• Verify your classpath. The wrong logging configuration file sneaking in can spoil the party.