Two Decades of Apache Log4j: A Journey of Resilience and Innovation

Today, December 17, 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Apache Logging Services project, as we celebrate 20 years since the inception of Log4j 1. This journey, spanning two decades, has been one of constant evolution, growth, and community spirit.

A Timeline of Success and Learning

From the early days of Log4j 1, we have witnessed numerous releases, welcomed many new committers and PMC members, and seen the launch of various side projects as Log4xx, Chainsaw or Log4php. The recent addition of Apache Flume has further broadened our suite of logging tools, showcasing our commitment to providing diverse and robust solutions.

We are incredibly proud of the learning curve we experienced with Log4j 1. Every mistake was a stepping stone towards the development of Log4j 2, which has surpassed all our previous projects in scope and impact.

Overcoming Challenges Together

The Log4shell incident was a critical period for us. However, the strength and support of not only our community but also the global open-source community were astounding. Together, we transformed a challenge into an opportunity to create the most secure logging framework to date. The extensive code reviews and collaborative efforts post-Log4shell have significantly fortified Log4j’s security features.

Looking Ahead with Excitement

The future looks bright as we eagerly anticipate the release of Log4j 3. Alongside, we are preparing for new versions of Apache Flume, a logging processor, and other exciting side projects. These developments are a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence.

A Community That Values Collaboration

At the heart of our success is our community spirit, perfectly encapsulated in the Apache Software Foundation’s motto, “Community Over Code.” This philosophy has been our guiding light, ensuring that we prioritize collaboration, mutual respect, and collective growth.

We warmly invite you to join us in this celebratory moment. Whether you are a seasoned contributor or new to the open-source world, there is a place for you in the Apache Logging Services community. Together, let’s continue to innovate, learn, and build a future that echoes the resilience and spirit of the past two decades.