What is an Error Log primarily used for?

An Error Log is primarily used for recording errors encountered during software operation. It serves as a vital tool for developers and system administrators to identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot problems within applications or systems. When errors occur, they are captured in the Error Log along with relevant details, such as timestamps and error codes, making it easier to trace the source of issues. Analyzing these logs helps in understanding patterns of failures, which can ultimately lead to improving the robustness and reliability of the software.

While tracking user activity, documenting system performance, and logging successful transactions are also important aspects of system management, they serve different purposes and are typically recorded in separate logs. User activity logs help monitor user interactions, performance logs focus on system metrics and operational efficiency, and transaction logs record successful operations for accountability and auditing. Each serves its own unique function, but the central role of the Error Log is specifically to capture and communicate failures and malfunctions, which is critical for maintaining system health and minimizing downtime.