System and method for providing access to log data files

#The present invention relates generally to a system and method for providing access to log data files, and more particularly but not exclusively to a system for tracking specific events in the log data files based on user-defined search criteria.

#Computer software programs can be very lengthy and complex, often requiring teams of programmers to write the code. Due to the complexity and length of the program source code, one of the biggest challenges faced by programmers is debugging. Debugging is the process of identifying and correcting errors within a computer program to ensure the program behaves as expected. For some programming systems, when a computer program is executed, a program execution log data file is generated. The program log data file may include a description of the execution results from each execution. The log data file typically includes execution error messages and warnings. Computer programmers use this log data file to assist in the debugging process.

#Each computer language has its own program log data file format, however for the purpose of illustration we will discuss SAS®. SAS® is a business intelligence and analytics software system that uses a proprietary programming language. Typically used at the enterprise level, SAS® provides an organization with the ability to data mine and subsequently process the mined data into useful analytic and statistical data to further long range and strategic planning. The following terms will be used when discussing SAS®. A SAS® system is the actual software designed by the SAS® institute. A SAS® Application Program is an application program that has been developed to run on the SAS® system. A SAS® Log File is the program log data file created upon execution of a SAS® application program.

#FIG. 1 is a high level diagram providing an illustrative example of an operating environment in which a SAS® application program is executed using the SAS® system thereby producing a log data file.

#FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram illustrating the addition of a system for providing access to log data files into the operating environment of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a high level overview of an illustrative example of a computer system used for executing the system for providing access to log data files introduced in FIG. 2.

#In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout the several views.

#As shown in the drawings for the purpose of illustration, the invention is embodied in a system and method for providing access to log data files. The system for providing access to log data files provides a method to enable a user to quickly and efficiently search for specific events within a lengthy log data file. Existing systems do not have a mechanism that allows the user to navigate the events within the log data file. The present system introduces an application player with which the user can easily navigate the log data file using a series of hyperlinks that correspond to event lines in the log data file. Using a XML file the application can be customized to specific preferences and requirements.

#FIG. 1 is a high level diagram providing an illustrative example of an operating environment in which the system for providing access to log data files may be deployed. In order to add value to raw business data that has been mined from various sources, the data must be processed into information. While there are many ways to process raw data into useable information a SAS® system is discussed herein. SAS® is a business intelligence and analytics software system that uses a proprietary programming language. SAS® is typically used at an enterprise level by companies wishing to process very large amounts of raw business data.