Load java.util.logging.config.file for default initialization

Question

Hi,

I'm trying to load a custom log.properties file when my application is started.

My properties file is in the same package as my main class, so i assumed that the -Djava.util.logging.config.file=log.properties command line parameter should get the properties file loaded.

But the properties are only loaded when i specify a full absolute path to the properties file. Any suggestions how to use a relative path?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I would suggest to take a look at the Apache Logging Services Project. To my mind it's far easier to use and to configure. Moreover it's kind of an 'industry standard' in java.

Answer 2

Java logging doesn't search your whole hard disk for a file; there are very simple rules how files are looked up. You want Java to see that the two files belong to each other but you didn't say so anywhere. Since Java sees no connection between the properties file and your class other than that they are in the same folder on your disk, it can't find the file.

In your case, you do this:

• Move the file log.properties to the default package (the root folder for your sources)
• add it directly to the classpath (just like a JAR)
• You can specify the package in which the file is, replacing "." with "/": -Djava.util.logging.config.file=com/company/package/log.properties
• You can specify the absolute path

Answer 3

util logging does not load from classpath, it needs an absolute path which is why other logging packages like log4j are far easier to configure and better for web apps where it's a pain to get abs paths.

this is not explained at all in the java.util.logging.LogManager doco.