[Pidgin] #6140: XML logger

[Pidgin]

#6140: XML logger
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 Reporter:  samuel              |       Type:  enhancement
   Status:  new                 |   Priority:  minor      
Component:  libpurple           |    Version:  2.4.2      
 Keywords:  xml logger history  |    Pending:  0          
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 I have begun to write xml logging mechanism for pidgin, to replace old
 logging methods and provide better log functionality.

 '''Reasons to replace current logging mechanisms:'''

 When we are logging conversation, we should log its content, not
 appearance. We should be able to determine from the log the sender of the
 message, the reciever, time when message was sent, and many other useful
 things. Ability to retrieve this information from log allows us to provide
 better functionality to user (for example advanced searching). It is base-
 stone for all further log improvements.

 Current state is that we have two loggers, text, and html logger. Both of
 them provide only the log of the message appearance, it is not possible to
 determine mentioned useful informations from the log. We just see how
 message appeared in the IM window during the conversation. For example,
 when we use html logger to log history, we are not able to change the
 colors of sender, reciever names, etc. in the log. This think is really
 ugly, because one can change the colors in the chat window, but not in the
 log. Then, it is really confusing, when you are for example used to have a
 green color for sender, and in the log it appears red.

 Next question is, what is the reason of having two different loggers? I do
 not see any, it is only one more useless option in pidgin preferences. All
 logs should be done the same way, there is no reason to use sometimes
 logger A, then logger B, logger C, etc. It is messy. If we want to
 configure the way logs are displayed, ok, do it. But don't change the way
 of logging them. When the user changes his/her mind and want displayed
 logs in another way, it would be possible with XML logs, but it is not
 possible with html and text loggers.

 '''Proposition of xml logger'''

 I have writen some proposal of xml log structure, you can find it as an
 attachment ''format.xml''.

 I think the whole log content should be stored in the ''PurpleLog''
 structure, and readed or written to a file, when needed. I have added few
 members to ''PurpleLog'' structure to allow such a storing of information.

 Current version of xml logger is able only to write logs, not to read
 them. Also, it is not able to log all informations proposed in the
 ''format.xml'' file. To make xml logger really work, it is neccessary to
 change interface of some functions, and appropriatly rewrite affected
 modules. Changing this is too big step to do it without your agreement, so
 please, tell what is your opinion about this all:-)

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Ticket URL: <http://developer.pidgin.im/ticket/6140>
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