Access log configuration in Nginx - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the access_log directive in nginx?

The access_log directive in nginx is used to specify the file where nginx will record details about each client request, such as IP address, request time, and response status.

beginner

How do you disable access logging in an nginx server block?

You can disable access logging by setting access_log off; inside the server or location block.

intermediate

What is the default format used by nginx for access logs?

The default format is called combined, which includes client IP, timestamp, request line, status code, bytes sent, referrer, and user agent.

intermediate

How can you create a custom log format in nginx?

Use the log_format directive to define a custom format with variables, then reference it in the access_log directive.

beginner

Where is the access log file typically located in a default nginx installation?

It is usually located at /var/log/nginx/access.log.

Which directive in nginx controls where access logs are saved?

A server_log

B error_log

C access_log

D log_format

The access_log directive sets the file path for access logs.

How do you turn off access logging in nginx?

A access_log off;

B log_format off;

C disable_access_log;

D error_log off;

Setting access_log off; disables access logging.

What does the default nginx access log format include?

A Only error messages

B Only client IP and status code

C Only request method and URL

D Client IP, timestamp, request, status, bytes, referrer, user agent

The default combined format includes all these details.

Which directive allows defining a custom log format in nginx?

A log_format

B access_log

C custom_log

D format_log

The log_format directive defines custom log formats.

Where is the default nginx access log file usually stored?

A /etc/nginx/access.log

B /var/log/nginx/access.log

C /usr/local/nginx/logs/access.log

D /home/nginx/access.log

The default location is /var/log/nginx/access.log.

Explain how to configure a custom access log format in nginx and apply it.

Think about defining format first, then using it.

Describe how to disable access logging for a specific server block in nginx.

Focus on the access_log directive.