How can I log principal for every log4j statement

[philc]

I want to see who does what in the logs. Is there a simple way to add more values available in the conversion pattern?

 <layout class="org.apache.log4j.PatternLayout">
 <param name="ConversionPattern" value="%d %u %-5p [%c] %m%n"/>
 </layout>

%u would print out the username (principal)
Is there a simple way to do this? Maybe use the MDC?

[starksm64]

Yes, you would have to use the MDC to push the caller identity:

 Principal p = ...;
 MDC.put("principal", p);

and use this value in the layout:

 <layout class="org.apache.log4j.PatternLayout">
 <param name="ConversionPattern" value="%d %X{principal} %-5p [%c] %m%n"/>
 </layout>

[philc]

Thanks, That's amazing. It's so Simple!
I think the code to put the principal in the MDC should be in an interceptor placed right after the SecurityInterceptor. Should this not be part of the default JBoss container-configuration since it is so useful? I will write the Interceptor and post it here later.

Philippe

[starksm64]

No, this is not a general configuration that should be imposed on everyone.