NTail
NTail is a log file 'tail' plugin for Eclipse that enables multiple, independent view instances to be open at the same time. Each view instance is, in turn, capable of hosting its own independent set of log tail viewers.
Developed to enable watching host platform and plugin-in runtime platform log files at the same time. Useful to simultaneously watch the log files of a mutli-tier system. Also enables watching the same log file in separate views subject to different line filters.
Features
- Multiple independent view instances can be concurrently open and active -- concurrently see the output of multiple log files.
- Stack trace line errors are hyperlinked to the JDT.
- Simple, efficient definition of log filters.
- Runs on Aptana/Ruby/RadRails and other Eclipse-RCP platforms (JDT not required)
- ... and other standard features of log watchers.
Development State
- Stable.
- The definition, order and allocation of log file viewers among views can be set from the preference pages.
- Starup-performance is highly dependent on the size and number of log files being tailed.
Use
- Opening Views
- The first view opens from Windows->Show View->Other...->Logging->NTail.
- Second and subsequent views can be opened from the view menu or from the right-click menu of any open NTail view.
- Highlighting
- Uses a standard Java RegEx expression to define the highlight match
- Basic: use a simple text string
- Advanced: use capturing groups to define the highlight portion of the match
- Examples:
- DEBUG // highlights the word DEBUG
- DE(BUG) // highlights the word BUG only where it appears as part of the word DEBUG
- net\.certiv\.base\.(NTail|Util) // highlights either NTail or Util where it occurs as part of the package name
- (DEBUG).*(Page \d+) // highlights DEBUG and the page number only for lines that contain both
- Filter Lines (exclude selected lines from log file display):
- Uses a standard Java RegEx expression to match line(s) to exclude
- Example (the RegEx must match an entire line to exclude it):
- .*eclipse.* // excludes all lines that contain 'eclipse'
- Search
- Control-F or select find from the right-click menu
- Searches over the visible content of the viewer.
Installation & Requirements
- Update site: http://www.certiv.net/updates
- NTail 1.3.0: Eclipse 3.5.x
- Eclipse VM: JDK 1.6+
Note: Version 1.3.0 and above are available through the update site. Older versions can be found on the download pages.
License
Available only under these terms:
- License: A personal right to use, as is, and nothing more; distribution of any component or part to any other person or entity is specifically prohibited.
- Warranties: Absolutely none of any cognizable nature including MERCHANTABILITY and/or FITNESS FOR ANY GENERAL OR SPECIFIC PURPOSE OR USE. In fact, be forewarned that use of this software will fail, will likely cause failures in other software, and will likely result in the loss of data.
- If you use this software, then you agree to these terms.