How to read the Linux logs

kbarani · 04-07-2009, 12:15 AM

Hi all,
I am going to read the logs (system log, security log) through my "C" application, operating system is Linux fedora core8. i am only interest in the present logs. How to read this logs through my application ,where to read, what is the logic behind this.

Thanks,
Barani

jdkaye · 04-07-2009, 12:44 AM

The log files are usually found in /var/log and you need to be root or use sudo to read them. They are text files so any editor (emacs, vim, kate, etc.) will be able to read them.
cheers,
jdk

sieira · 04-07-2009, 01:41 AM

$dmesg will show you the lastest lines in /var/log/system.log (it's more or less "tail -30 /var/log/system.log"), even as a user.

I suggest you to read "man syslogd".