Saying “we should log that” is a loaded statement which implies hidden meanings. Should we do logging, collecting metrics, or auditing.

Depending on what the use case and the goal you want to achieve from collecting system data, you chose logging, metrics collecting, or auditing.

The difference between Logging, metrics, and auditing

  1. Logging
  2. Auditing
  3. Metrics

Summary

TypePurposestorage periodLoss policy
Logging
MetricsLong timeAcceptable depending on the use case
AuditingLong TimeNot Acceptable