log4j configuration via JVM argument(s)?

user_71700 0
Viewed 223550

What variables do I have to set/pass as arguments to the JVM to get log4j to run properly? And by properly I mean not complain and print to the console. Can I see a typical example?

Note: I need to avoid creating a log4j.properties file in the application.

log4j logging java
9 Answers

Do you have a log4j configuration file ? Just reference it using 

-Dlog4j.configuration={path to file}

where {path to file} should be prefixed with file:

Edit: If you are working with log4j2, you need to use

-Dlog4j.configurationFile={path to file}

Taken from answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/34001970/552525

Brian_Agnew_129600

I know this is already answered, but because you said, this isn't exactly what you are looking for, I would like to point out the following alternative:

You can also use a configuration class instead of the properties or xml file.

-Dlog4j.configuratorClass=com.foo.BarConfigurator

See http://logging.apache.org/log4j/1.2/manual.html for details.

user_605180

Late to the party as since 2015, Log4J 1.x has reached EOL.

Log4J 2.x onwards the JVM option should be -Dlog4j.configurationFile=<filename>

P.S. <filename> could be a file relative to the class path without the file: as suggested in the other answers.

user_8081580

Generally, as long as your log4j.properties file is on the classpath, Log4j should just automatically pick it up at JVM startup.

Natalia_110670

Relative Path is also ok: 

java -Dlog4j.configuration=file:".\log4j.properties" -jar com.your-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar

or 

java -Dlog4j.configuration=file:".\log4j.xml" -jar com.your-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
user_13469900

If you are using gradle. You can apply 'aplication' plugin and use the following command 

  applicationDefaultJvmArgs = [
             "-Dlog4j.configurationFile=your.xml",
                              ]
user_63501910

According to the page (Log4j2 - Automatic Configuration) Log4j2 needs:

-Dlog4j2.configurationFile=<path to file>

Log4j will inspect the "log4j2.configurationFile" system property and, if set, will attempt to load the configuration using the ConfigurationFactory that matches the file extension. Note that this is not restricted to a location on the local file system and may contain a URL.

Taken from: Log4j2 - Automatic Configuration

user_29388100
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