Structured Logs

I. Formal Definition

Log records emitted in a machine-parseable, schema-conformant format, typically JSON or a federation-recognised binary format, such that each record's fields can be queried, filtered, and aggregated without text-extraction heuristics. Structured logs are a precondition for serious incident analysis: free-text logs scale neither in storage nor in operator attention. The federation requires that Tier-1 services emit structured logs and that the schema be versioned and reviewed at least annually under UFMS-001:2.4.

II. Etymology

The structured-logging movement in industry rose in the early 2010s, replacing the ad-hoc text logging of preceding decades.

III. Federation Usage

Federation members must publish their log schema and the version cadence. Free-text logs in Tier-1 services are reported as non-conforming under MEV-Annex:3.2.

IV. Related Terms

• traces
• metrics
• cardinality
• retention

V. Authoritative Citations

• UFMS-001:2.4UFMS Article II - Logging Standard
• MEV-Annex:3.2MEV Annex III - Schema Disclosure

VI. Citation in BibTeX

@misc{ifo4_glossary_structured_logs,
  title        = {{Structured Logs}},
  author       = {{IFO4 Federation Editorial Board}},
  howpublished = {{IFO4 Federation Glossary, slug \texttt{structured-logs}}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://ifo4.org/glossary/structured-logs},
  note         = {Category: Observability; key: StructuredLogs}
}

VII. Challenge This Definition

Federation members and accredited practitioners may challenge any entry under TGS-002:1.7. Filed challenges are routed to the editorial board, triaged into the revision register, and resolved in writing on the public docket. The slug remains stable through any revision.