How can I convert a stack trace to a string?

java

stack-trace

logging

dependencies

byAnton Shumikhin·Aug 16, 2024

One way to convert a stack trace to a string is by using printStackTrace() from Throwable, alongside StringWriter and PrintWriter:

StringWriter sw = new StringWriter();
e.printStackTrace(new PrintWriter(sw));
String stackTrace = sw.toString(); // Stack trace converted into a string

This code captures the exception's details into a string variable, here called stackTrace.

Deep dive: Technique and tools explained

The basic tools: StringWriter and PrintWriter

StringWriter lies at the heart of this process. It acts as a string buffer, collecting the output from PrintWriter. As we move forward, PrintWriter gives us the convenience of printing formatted representations of various data types, including our stack trace.

The universal method: Alternative approaches for diverse environments

If we venture outside the standard Java environment, there are alternative methods to suit:

Apache Commons Lang: For Apache aficionados, ExceptionUtils.getStackTrace(Throwable) is a straightforward and efficient way to convert a stack trace to a string.
Android territory: Android offers Log.getStackTraceString(exception), perfect for output precisely formatted for Android's logcat handling.
Google Guava: Simplifies matters further by providing Throwables.getStackTraceAsString(Throwable).

Clean up after: Don't let your PrintWriter outstay its welcome

Don't forget to close your PrintWriter when you're done:

pw.close(); // "We're done here, PrintWriter."

Handling dependencies and imports like a boss

If you decide to go for Apache Commons Lang or Google Guava, don't forget they need to be added as dependencies:

// For Apache Commons Lang
implementation 'org.apache.commons:commons-lang3:3.11' // "Welcome aboard, Apache!"

// For Google Guava
implementation 'com.google.guava:guava:30.1-jre' // "Make yourself at home, Guava!"

For the Android developers among us, remember to import Log:

import android.util.Log; // "Gotta have this for Android's sake!"

Exception- logging best practices

When logging, preserve the original Throwable to keep all the nitty-gritty details.
Avoid ommiting stack trace information in logs. They are treasure chests of debugging information.
Beware! Generating stack traces can be costly for performance-sensitive applications. Use them wisely.