How to Use the Command 'gcloud logging logs list' (with examples)

The gcloud logging logs list command is a powerful tool within the Google Cloud SDK that allows users to list the available logs in a Google Cloud project. Managing logs is crucial for monitoring, troubleshooting, and analyzing application and system performance on Google Cloud. This command provides flexibility in how logs are retrieved and displayed, offering various options to filter, sort, and limit the logs to suit your specific needs.

Use Case 1: List All Logs in the Current Project

Code:

gcloud logging logs list

Motivation: Listing all logs gives you a comprehensive view of all log entries in your Google Cloud project. This is particularly useful when first exploring logging data or when you need a general overview of the logs available within your project for monitoring purposes.

Explanation: The command uses the default configuration to display all logs in the current project. No additional arguments are needed.

Example Output:

projects/my-project/logs/cloudaudit.googleapis.com%2Factivity
projects/my-project/logs/compute.googleapis.com%2Fsyslog
projects/my-project/logs/compute.googleapis.com%2Factivity
...

Use Case 2: List All Logs for a Specific Log Bucket and Location

Code:

gcloud logging logs list --bucket=bucket_id --location=location

Motivation: When projects are segmented into different buckets for organizational purposes, such as different environments or departments, listing logs from a specific bucket is helpful for narrowing down to relevant logs.

Explanation:

• --bucket=bucket_id: Specifies the bucket from which you want to list logs. This helps in organizing and retrieving logs that are bucket-specific.
• --location=location: Denotes the geographical location of the log bucket, ensuring that logs are collected from the correct bucket location.

Example Output:

Log from Bucket 'bucket_id' located at 'location':
projects/my-project/locations/location/buckets/bucket_id/logs/cloudaudit.googleapis.com%2Factivity
...

Use Case 3: List All Logs for a Specific View in a Log Bucket

Code:

gcloud logging logs list --bucket=bucket_id --location=location --view=view_id

Motivation: To focus on logs that meet specific criteria you’ve defined through log views, this command helps in isolating logs based on a predefined view, ideal for filtering out noise and focusing on relevant data.

Explanation:

• --bucket=bucket_id: Defines the bucket from which the logs are drawn.
• --location=location: Identifies the location of the log bucket.
• --view=view_id: Specifies the log view you want to use, filtering logs to meet the criteria defined in this view.

Example Output:

Logs from View 'view_id' under Bucket 'bucket_id' at 'location':
projects/my-project/locations/location/buckets/bucket_id/views/view_id/logs/syslog
...

Use Case 4: List Logs with a Filter Expression

Code:

gcloud logging logs list --filter="expression"

Motivation: Using filter expressions can significantly reduce the volume of returned log entries, allowing for faster pinpointing of issues or specific log events.

Explanation:

• --filter="expression": This argument applies an expression to filter logs. The expression follows the Logging API’s filtering syntax, allowing customized queries.

Example Output:

Logs matching filter:
projects/my-project/logs/compute.googleapis.com%2Factivity
...

Use Case 5: List a Specified Number of Logs

Code:

gcloud logging logs list --limit=number

Motivation: Sometimes, you only need to review a sample of logs, particularly in large datasets. Limiting the output helps in quickly reviewing a few entries without extensive retrieval overhead.

Explanation:

• --limit=number: Restricts the output to the specified number of logs, ideal for sampling or quick checks.

Example Output:

Limited Log Entries:
1. projects/my-project/logs/compute.googleapis.com%2Factivity
2. projects/my-project/logs/cloudaudit.googleapis.com%2Factivity
...

Use Case 6: List Logs Sorted by a Specific Field in Ascending or Descending Order

Code:

gcloud logging logs list --sort-by="field_name"

Motivation: Sorting logs can help identify trends or order of events, such as viewing them chronologically or by their severity level.

Explanation:

• --sort-by="field_name": Specifies the field by which you want to sort the log entries. Prefix the field with ~ for descending order.

Example Output:

Sorted Logs by Field 'field_name':
projects/my-project/logs/cloudaudit.googleapis.com%2Factivity
projects/my-project/logs/compute.googleapis.com%2Fsyslog
...

Use Case 7: List Logs Sorted by Multiple Fields

Code:

gcloud logging logs list --sort-by="field1,~field2"

Motivation: Sorting by multiple fields allows for more complex orderings, such as sorting firstly by time and then by severity, which can help in more granular log investigations.

Explanation:

• --sort-by="field1,~field2": Shows the logs sorted by two fields, specifying ascending or descending order for each. Here, field1 will sort in ascending, and field2 in descending order.

Example Output:

Sorted Logs by Fields 'field1', '~field2':
projects/my-project/logs/compute.googleapis.com%2Fsyslog
projects/my-project/logs/cloudaudit.googleapis.com%2Factivity
...

Use Case 8: List Logs with Verbose Output

Code:

gcloud logging logs list --verbosity=debug

Motivation: Verbose output is ideal for debugging or when you need more detailed information about the command’s execution, including potential errors or additional log metadata.

Explanation:

• --verbosity=debug: Increases the verbosity of the command’s output, including detailed execution logs and diagnostic information.

Example Output:

Verbose Log Output:
DEBUG: Starting command execution...
projects/my-project/logs/compute.googleapis.com%2Fsyslog
...
DEBUG: Command execution finished.

Conclusion:

The gcloud logging logs list command is an indispensable asset in the Google Cloud SDK toolkit, offering diverse functionalities suitable for different logging needs. Whether you are an administrator, developer, or an analyst looking to dive deep into Google Cloud logs, these examples demonstrate the flexibility and power of this command in managing and retrieving logs efficiently. By harnessing the various options available, you can streamline your log analysis, improve your operational effectiveness, and bolster your cloud infrastructure monitoring strategies.