Final answer:
Log parsing is the process used to extract information from log files, breaking down entries into analyzable components for insights into system behavior or issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Log parsing is the process of converting log data into a common format to make them machine-readable. You might start with ingested logs spanning several different formats; but once they have been parsed, you can use your log management system to search and analyze their events as if they were a single unit.
Log parsing involves examining the structured or unstructured data within log files to convert it into a format that can be easily analyzed. This process often involves breaking down the log entries into distinct pieces of information, which can then be analyzed separately for useful insights about the system's behavior, security events, system usage patterns, and more.
For instance, a security analyst might parse access logs to identify any unusual or unauthorized access patterns. Similarly, a system administrator may parse server logs to diagnose issues or optimize performance. Log parsing provides actionable intelligence which can be the foundation for decision-making or for triggering automated system responses.