NameEventLog

NameEventLog is a logging pattern that organizes events by a dedicated name field. In typical use, each log entry records the event name, a timestamp, a severity level, and a structured payload with contextual data. The event name serves as a categorical identifier, enabling fast filtering, routing, and aggregation across large event streams. The pattern is common in event-driven architectures, microservices, and audit trails where multiple components emit diverse event types.

Entries generally include:

- name: a concise identifier for the event type

- timestamp: when the event occurred

- level: severity or importance

- payload: structured data with event details

- correlationId: for tracing related events

- source: origin service or host

Implementation options range from file-based logs to databases or streaming channels, and it can integrate with existing logging frameworks. The primary advantage is efficient querying by name, enabling dashboards and analytics, as well as easier debugging and auditing through name-based filtering and aggregation. Structured formats such as JSON or Protobuf are common to preserve payload semantics.

Related concepts include event logging, structured logging, and audit logs. Design considerations include schema evolution, log retention and rotation, privacy and security of payload data, and performance impacts of indexing by event name. Careful naming conventions for events help avoid proliferation of names and improve maintainability.