When a user visits a website and requests files to be loaded via their browser, information is recorded on the server in the form of data lines called logs. These logs contain various pieces of information such as the user’s IP address, the files requested, the times, and technical data about the environment used (screen resolution, operating system, etc.). Due to their large volume and diversity, raw logs are often difficult to interpret directly, as a simple action like displaying a page can generate several lines of code.

The logs are then analyzed by audience measurement and web analytics tools to provide understandable information about the website’s audience. This analysis allows website managers to optimize their content and SEO. The data extracted from the logs can thus be used for technical improvements and marketing purposes.

To learn more about the marketing use of logs, you can consult resources specializing in this area.