Java Logging Still Crap in 2009

When java logging API was first introduced in JDK 1.4 in 2002, it caused quite a lot a fuss around, with everybody asking "Why did not they just include Log4j instead of creating their own bastard child?".

I remember having looked at it very shortly before continuing using Log4j on all projects I have been involved with.

Today, while doing a very small project, I tried once more to use java logging. The main reason is that I was lazy to add a dependency to one more jar for this small project. While trying I found out that:

1. you still need to use a damned JVM parameter to point to your configuration file
2. you can not change the formatting without writing a formatter class!
   

It's 2009! What has Sun done? I am amazed the most elementary things you expect from a Logger are still not included by default in the JDK.

Java Logging Still Crap in 2009

When java logging API was first introduced in JDK 1.4 in 2002, it caused quite a lot a fuss around, with everybody asking "Why did not they just include Log4j instead of creating their own bastard child?".

I remember having looked at it very shortly before continuing using Log4j on all projects I have been involved with.

Today, while doing a very small project, I tried once more to use java logging. The main reason is that I was lazy to add a dependency to one more jar for this small project. While trying I found out that:

1. you still need to use a damned JVM parameter to point to your configuration file
2. you can not change the formatting without writing a formatter class!
   

It's 2009! What has Sun done? I am amazed the most elementary things you expect from a Logger are still not included by default in the JDK.