What is the purpose of log files?

Log files serve the essential purpose of recording specific system or application activity. They are crucial for monitoring, troubleshooting, and analyzing the performance or behavior of software and systems. Log files typically capture events such as transactions, errors, information about user activities, and other significant system events, providing a chronological record that can help administrators and developers identify issues or understand usage patterns over time.

The information contained in log files can be analyzed to derive insights about system performance, security incidents, or application usage, enabling proactive maintenance and decision-making. This utility makes log files integral to effective system management, as they not only facilitate ongoing operational monitoring but also support forensic analysis when incidents occur. In contrast, the other options pertain to different functions unrelated to the purpose served by log files.