Using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging over MvvmCross's previous logging system offers several benefits:
1. Flexibility and Extensibility: Microsoft.Extensions.Logging provides an abstraction layer that allows developers to use various logging providers such as Serilog, NLog, or Log4Net. This flexibility means that the logging framework can be easily swapped out depending on the project's needs, without changing the underlying code. In contrast, MvvmCross's previous system was more rigid and required specific implementations for different providers[1][2].
2. Dependency Injection Support: Microsoft.Extensions.Logging integrates well with dependency injection frameworks, making it easier to inject loggers into classes. This is particularly useful for unit testing, as it allows for the creation of mock loggers to verify logging behavior[7]. MvvmCross also supports dependency injection for logging, but using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging provides a more standardized approach across different frameworks[2].
3. Stability and Community Support: Microsoft.Extensions.Logging is a widely adopted and stable API, supported by Microsoft and the broader .NET community. This stability ensures that it will continue to be maintained and updated, providing long-term reliability for projects[2][9].
4. Simplified Configuration: With Microsoft.Extensions.Logging, configuration can be managed through appsettings.json or other configuration files, which simplifies the setup process compared to some other logging frameworks. This is especially beneficial when using providers like Serilog or NLog, which can be configured using JSON[7].
5. Avoidance of Vendor Lock-in: By using an abstraction layer like Microsoft.Extensions.Logging, developers avoid tying their code to a specific logging framework. This makes it easier to switch between different logging providers without significant code changes, reducing vendor lock-in and increasing project flexibility[9].
6. Scalability and Performance: Microsoft.Extensions.Logging is designed to handle high-performance logging scenarios efficiently. It supports asynchronous logging and can be optimized for different environments, making it suitable for large-scale applications[9].
In summary, Microsoft.Extensions.Logging offers a flexible, scalable, and widely supported logging solution that integrates well with dependency injection and various logging providers, making it a superior choice over MvvmCross's previous logging system for many development scenarios.
Citations:[1] https://developer.vonage.com/en/blog/adaptive-library-logging-with-microsoft-extensions-logging-dr
[2] https://www.mvvmcross.com/documentation/fundamentals/logging-new
[3] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/46483019/logging-from-static-members-with-microsoft-extensions-logging
[4] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ef/core/logging-events-diagnostics/extensions-logging
[5] https://www.mvvmcross.com/documentation/upgrading/upgrade-to-mvvmcross-60
[6] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/42356802/how-does-microsoft-extensions-logging-work-for-full-net-framework
[7] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/58209076/microsoft-extensions-logging-vs-nlog
[8] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/68075159/mvvm-cross-logging-setup-class
[9] https://blog.stephencleary.com/2018/05/microsoft-extensions-logging-part-1-introduction.html
[10] https://www.mvvmcross.com/documentation/fundamentals/viewmodel-lifecycle
[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/dotnet/comments/142fs0y/serilog_vs_microsoft_logger_ilogger/
[12] https://github.com/MvvmCross/MvvmCross/issues/2936