Logging, and Continuous Code Quality

Here’s a detailed breakdown of SLF4J, Lombok, and how they compare to Log4J, along with their configurations and usage.

1. SLF4J (Simple Logging Facade for Java)

SLF4J is a logging framework that acts as an abstraction layer for various logging implementations. It allows you to plug in different logging frameworks (like Log4J, Logback, or java.util.logging) without changing your application code.

Why use SLF4J?

Decouples logging API from the actual logging implementation.
Provides a simple API for logging across multiple frameworks.
Supports parameterized logging to improve performance.

SLF4J vs. Log4J vs. Lombok

Feature	SLF4J	Log4J	Lombok
Type	Logging Facade (Interface)	Logging Implementation	Annotation-based Code Generator
Purpose	Provides a unified logging API	Full-fledged logging framework	Reduces boilerplate code
Dependency	Requires an actual logging implementation (e.g., Logback, Log4J)	Self-contained	Works with SLF4J/Log4J
Performance	Efficient parameterized logging	Slightly more overhead	Enhances logging with annotations

2. SLF4J - Environment Setup

Step 1: Add SLF4J and Logback Dependencies (Maven)

<dependencies>
    <!-- SLF4J API -->
    <dependency>
        <groupId>org.slf4j</groupId>
        <artifactId>slf4j-api</artifactId>
        <version>2.0.7</version>
    </dependency>

    <!-- Logback as SLF4J Implementation -->
    <dependency>
        <groupId>ch.qos.logback</groupId>
        <artifactId>logback-classic</artifactId>
        <version>1.4.5</version>
    </dependency>
</dependencies>

3. Sample Logging using SLF4J

import org.slf4j.Logger;
import org.slf4j.LoggerFactory;

public class SLF4JExample {
    private static final Logger logger = LoggerFactory.getLogger(SLF4JExample.class);

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        logger.info("This is an info message");
        logger.warn("This is a warning message");
        logger.error("This is an error message");
    }
}