A log file is an automatic log that records all activity on your e-commerce site. Every visit, every error, every connection attempt leaves a trace in these files. For your online store, this information is a gold mine for understanding what’s working and quickly identifying problems.
Imagine your site as a physical store. The log file would be like a surveillance camera filming everything that happens, 24 hours a day. This digital surveillance enables you to detect malfunctions before they affect your sales, and optimize your customers’ experience.
Log file definition
A log file stores chronologically all events that occur on your web server. Each line corresponds to a specific action, with a time and date stamp. Your web host generates these files automatically, with no need for you to intervene.
These files generally use standardized formats, making them relatively easy to read. They contain information such as the visitor’s IP address, the page consulted, the server response code and the exact time of the event.
What is the purpose of a log file for your online store?
Log files help you keep your store running smoothly. They reveal pages that generate errors, identify hacking attempts and allow you to analyze your visitors’ behavior.
Logs are also a valuable tool for optimizing your site’s performance. They reveal which pages are consulted most often, the peak hours and the resources that slow down your store.
The different types of logs useful to e-tailers
Access logs
These files record every request made to your server. They tell you which pages your customers visit, how long they stay and by which path they arrive on your site. This information is the perfect complement to Google Analytics data.
For an e-tailer, access logs reveal the most frequently consulted products and the preferred buying paths of your customers. This enables you to adapt your offer and optimize your store’s navigation.
Error logs
These files record all malfunctions on your site. Code errors, database problems, malfunctioning modules: everything is recorded in precise technical detail.
Regular monitoring of these logs enables you to detect problems before they impact the customer experience. A payment module that generates errors can be identified and corrected quickly thanks to this information.
Security logs
These specialized files record login attempts, administrator access and suspicious activity. They are your first line of defense against cyber-attacks.
For your e-commerce store, these logs detect attempted intrusions into your back-office or malicious robots seeking to exploit security loopholes.
How to view a log file
Most web hosts offer direct access to log files via their control panel. You’ll usually find them in a section dedicated to statistics or advanced tools.
Some hosting providers offer graphical interfaces that transform this raw data into readable charts. This simplified presentation makes it possible to quickly understand trends without any particular technical expertise.
For PrestaShop, you can also view certain logs directly from your back-office, in the Advanced Settings section. These internal logs complement those of your hosting provider.
When to analyze your logs to optimize your site
Consult your log files every week for regular monitoring of your store’s health. This habit enables you to detect anomalies quickly and anticipate problems.
Analyze them systematically after each site update or installation of a new module. These modifications can sometimes generate unexpected errors that only appear after a few hours or days of use.
In the event of a sudden drop in traffic or conversions, logs are your first diagnostic tool. They often reveal the technical cause of the problem and effectively guide your corrective actions.