Kotlin Logging Libraries
Kotlin logging libraries work on both JVM and Android, leveraging Kotlin language features. kotlin-logging, Timber, Klogging, and others provide Kotlin developer-focused features including coroutine support, Android integration, and DSL-based configuration.
Key Features
- Multiple Output Levels
- Structured Logging
- High Performance
- Multiple Output Destinations
- Rich Ecosystem
Representative Libraries
- Pino: Ultra-fast JSON logging library
- Winston: Most versatile logging library
- Bunyan: Structured JSON-focused logging library
- Morgan: Express.js HTTP logging middleware
GitHub Star Comparison
| No | Name | GitHub Stars | Description | Trend | License | Type | Official Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kotlin-Logging | - | Lightweight yet powerful Kotlin logging library based on SLF4J. Supports lazy-evaluated strings using lambda expressions, reducing boilerplate code for class names and logger names. Modern logging solution optimized for Kotlin idioms. | Established as most popular choice for Kotlin applications in 2025. Has advantages over traditional Java logging frameworks through Kotlin-like syntax and performance optimization. Widely adopted in both Android development and server-side Kotlin. | Apache-2.0 | Idiomatic Logger | Official |
| 2 | SLF4J + Logback | - | Popular logging combination for Java and Kotlin. Achieves balance of flexibility and performance through SLF4J facade and logback implementation combination. Maintains full compatibility with existing Java ecosystem, highly reliable in enterprise environments. | Continues as stable choice for Kotlin projects in 2025. Selected particularly in scenarios requiring multiplatform development or integration with Java libraries. Lower learning cost compared to kotlin-logging, preferred by Java-experienced developers. | MIT | Traditional Framework | Official |
| 3 | Klogging | - | Standalone logging library built in pure Kotlin. Supports structured log events by default through deep integration with Kotlin coroutines. Provides asynchronous event dispatching and automatic context information capture. | Attention increasing in coroutine-based Kotlin applications in 2025. Addresses modern Kotlin development needs through design incorporating structured logging and coroutine support from the start. Adoption increasing in environments where microservices and asynchronous processing are important. | Apache-2.0 | Structured Logger | Official |
| 4 | Android Log | - | Android standard logging API (Log.d, Log.i, Log.w, Log.e, etc.). Widely used as simplest choice in Android application development. Suitable for rapid log output in debug builds, but limited advanced control in production builds. | Remains essential as basic debugging means for Android development in 2025. Usage continues in learning stages and prototyping, but migration to structured logging libraries increasingly recommended for full-scale app development. | Apache-2.0 | Platform API | Official |
| 5 | KotlinX Coroutines SLF4J | - | Library providing integration between Kotlin coroutines and SLF4J's MDC (Mapped Diagnostic Context). Adds MDC to coroutine context, enabling preservation of logging context across asynchronous processing. | Increasing importance in coroutine-based server-side Kotlin development in 2025. Adoption examples expanding due to increased demand for traceability and context management in distributed systems. However, trend also seen toward migration to coroutine-native solutions like klogging. | Apache-2.0 | Integration Library | Official |
| 6 | Timber (Android) | - | Android logging library by Square. Functions as wrapper for Android standard log API, enabling automatic tag generation, log disabling in production builds, and addition of custom log destinations. Widely adopted in Android development. | Maintains stable position as popular library in Android development in 2025. Continued use in many Android projects due to simple configuration and reliable operation. However, migration to kotlin-logging or klogging also seen for more advanced structured logging needs. | Apache-2.0 | Android Logger | Official |