Logs are getting longer

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Ed Dressel
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Joined: Tue May 11, 2004 6:40 pm

Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Ed Dressel »

I compile my project to about 15 outputs files with log files being created for them that I check after.

Over the years, the log files have gotten longer--information I really don't need to see in a log. e.g. here is the output in one log file (I compiled to CHM and PDF):
Help+Manual command line compiler version 8.3.1 build 5794
Maintenance included until [redacted]
Compiling ..\Help Files\[redacted]
[Info] Preparing topics
[Info] Preparing table of contents
[Info] Preparing project files
[Info] Preparing merged projects
[Info] Writing topics
[Info] Compilation of C:\Users\[redacted] started 4/9/2021 3:57:53 PM
[Compiler Results] Help compiler started: C:\Program Files (x86)\HTML Help Workshop\hhc.exe
[Info] Compiling help file
[Compiler Results] Microsoft HTML Help Compiler 4.74.8702 Compiling c:\Users\[redacted] Compile time: 0 minutes, 5 seconds 589 Topics 4,385 Local links 47 Internet links 536 Graphics Created c:\Users\[redacted], 11,567,337 bytes Compression decreased file by 6,017,642 bytes.
[Info] Compilation complete
Help+Manual command line compiler version 8.3.1 build 5794
Maintenance included until [redacted]
Compiling ..\Help Files\[redacted]
[Info] Preparing topics
[Info] Preparing table of contents
[Info] Preparing project files
[Info] Preparing merged projects
[Info] Printing document
[Info] Creating PDF document
[Info] Compilation of C:\Users\[redacted] started 4/9/2021 3:58:28 PM
[Compiler Results] PDF export completed. Output file: C:\Users\[redacted]
I really only want to see errors--and would prefer that there is no long file created if there are no errors (thus nothing for me to check outside of an empty directory).

Is there a command option for this?

Much appreciated,

Ed Dressel
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Tim Green
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Re: Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Tim Green »

Hi Ed,

Look in View > Program Options > Compilers. You can configure the compiler output messages to include or exclude the following:
  • Hints
  • Warnings
  • Compiler results
  • Errors
You will probably want to exclude everything except errors. You can always switch the other things on and republish if you need more information. 8)
Regards,
Tim (EC Software Documentation & User Support)

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Ed Dressel
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Re: Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Ed Dressel »

Tim:

Thank you for the quick response.

I use the command line and INI files for creating output--are there switches for this? I didn't see any difference.

Ed Dressel
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Tim Green
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Re: Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Tim Green »

Hi Ed,

That wasn't clear. I'm honestly not quite sure what the situation is there as nobody has ever wanted to shorten the CLI logs before. I'm checking this with our developers. 8)
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Tim (EC Software Documentation & User Support)

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Re: Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Tim Green »

Hi Ed,

I just got the confirmation that these settings are also used in the CLI, with the exception of these general information messages:

Code: Select all

[Info] Preparing topics
[Info] Preparing table of contents
[Info] Preparing project files
[Info] Preparing merged projects
[Info] Writing topics
We're going to change this in the next update so that these messages are also suppressed when Hints are turned off.

If you are still getting the full log information even if they are turned off in Help+Manual you are probably running a difference instance of Help+Manual when you are publishing via the CLI. You would need to open that instance of HM on the computer where it is installed and change the settings there as well.
Regards,
Tim (EC Software Documentation & User Support)

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Ed Dressel
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Re: Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Ed Dressel »

Tim:
That wasn't clear.
My apologies.
... nobody has ever wanted to shorten the CLI logs before.
I made this request years ago, we interacted on it. :-)
We're going to change this in the next update so that these messages are also suppressed
Thanks. I think I can wait that long. :-)
...you are probably running a different instance of Help+Manual when you are publishing via the CLI
FYI--no, same computer/login, and H&M is closed when I run from the command line. No problem.

Thank you.

Ed Dressel
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Tim Green
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Re: Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Tim Green »

Hi Ed,
FYI--no, same computer/login, and H&M is closed when I run from the command line. No problem.
Hmm. Are you getting the full log or is it just the messages I listed that you wanted to suppress additionally? If it's the full log then something is wrong, because that is a global program setting that should also be working in the CLI if it's the same HM installation (it's stored in the Registry).
I made this request years ago, we interacted on it.
Ah. My bad...too much water under the bridge. 8)
Regards,
Tim (EC Software Documentation & User Support)

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Ed Dressel
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Re: Logs are getting longer

Unread post by Ed Dressel »

Hmm. Are you getting the full log or is it just the messages I listed that you wanted to suppress additionally?
Yes, you are correct: changing the settings in the IDE does change the log output.

Thanks,

Ed Dressel
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