spdlog

Name: spdlog
Brand: spdlog

Fast, header-only C++ logging library for high-performance applications

softwareAPI ToolsC++LoggingHeader-only

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Our Verdict

Best for

C++11+ developers needing fast, header‑only, thread‑safe logging

Skip if

Projects that require built‑in GUI log visualization tools

What is spdlog?

spdlog is a lightweight, header-only C++ library that provides fast, thread-safe logging with a simple API. It supports both synchronous and asynchronous logging, multiple sinks, and customizable formatting, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Designed for modern C++ developers, spdlog integrates seamlessly with existing codebases and offers extensive configurability without sacrificing performance. It is free, open-source, and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Web platforms.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentSelf-hosted

open source✅ Yes

github stars29,244

api available✅ Yes

support optionsEmail, GitHub issues

primary languageC++

Key Features of spdlog

Provides synchronous and asynchronous logging modes to balance speed and reliability.

Supports a variety of sinks including console, file, rotating file, and syslog for flexible output destinations.

Offers compile-time and runtime configurable log levels for fine-grained control.

Integrates with fmt library for powerful, type-safe message formatting.

Allows custom loggers and sinks, enabling developers to extend functionality as needed.

Ensures thread safety with minimal locking, suitable for multi-threaded applications.

Provides easy-to-use API that works with both C++11 and newer standards.

Includes built-in support for daily log file rotation and size-based rotation.

Use Cases for spdlog

Game Development

High-frequency logging with minimal impact on frame rates.

Server Applications

Asynchronous logging to handle massive concurrent requests.

Embedded Systems

Header-only design fits limited resource environments.

Data Processing Pipelines

Rotating file sinks manage large log volumes efficiently.

Pros & Cons of spdlog

Pros

Extremely low runtime overhead
Header-only simplifies integration
Rich set of built‑in sinks
Thread‑safe out of the box

Cons

Limited GUI tools for log visualization
Requires C++11 or newer
Asynchronous mode adds complexity for some users

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spdlog thread‑safe?

Yes, spdlog is designed to be thread‑safe with minimal locking overhead.

Do I need to compile spdlog as a separate library?

No, spdlog is header‑only, so you just include the headers in your project.

Can I customize the log format?

Yes, spdlog uses the fmt library, allowing full control over log message patterns.

Is there commercial support available?

Support is provided via email and GitHub issues; there is no paid support tier.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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