111: Configuration & Logging

In this episode, Jon and Allan discuss logging and configuration in mobile app development. They talk about their personal experiences with configuration and logging, including using environment variables, embedded resources, and external libraries like Sentry. They also touch on the performance implications of logging and the potential for source generation to improve configuration handling. Overall, they emphasize the importance of considering the specific needs of the app and the trade-offs between convenience and performance. In this conversation, Allan and Jon discuss logging and error handling in mobile app development. They mention the importance of having good logging tools and the drawbacks of using outdated tools like App Center. They also talk about the benefits of using a local logging system for debugging purposes. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the proper use of try-catch blocks and the importance of handling exceptions at the right level.

Takeaways

• Consider the specific needs of your app when implementing configuration and logging
• Use environment variables or constants for simple configuration needs
• Be mindful of the performance implications of logging, especially in mobile apps
• Explore external libraries like Sentry for crash reporting and error handling
• Source generation can be a powerful tool for handling configuration Having good logging tools is crucial for effective debugging and error handling in mobile app development.
• Using outdated tools like App Center for logging can lead to code pollution and limited functionality.
• Local logging can be useful for debugging purposes, especially in scenarios where cloud logging is not necessary or practical.
• Try-catch blocks should be used strategically and not excessively. They should be placed at the event triggers or where exceptions can be handled effectively.
• Proper error handling and logging practices can help improve the overall stability and user experience of mobile apps.

People

• Hosts: Jon Dick, Allan Ritchie
• Audio Engineer: Jim Heath

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Number
• 06:02 Exploring External Libraries for Error Handling
• 11:04 Finding the Right Balance: Convenience vs Performance
• 23:45 Considerations for Configuration and Logging in Mobile Apps
• 26:11 The Performance Implications of Logging
• 29:12 Logging and Performance: A Closer Look
• 32:05 The Drawbacks of Using Outdated Logging Tools
• 34:12 The Benefits of Local Logging
• 36:26 Strategic Use of Try-Catch Blocks
• 41:38 Proper Error Handling and Logging Practices

Links:

• Sentry IO
• Shiny.Extensions.Configuration — A configuration library that pulls appsettings json from Android assets & iOS bundles allowing for repackaging in white label solutions while still support the common configuration pattern