Bug#399930: logrotation race condition with exim writing to logs

[CaT]

On Fri, Nov 24, 2006 at 10:23:38AM +0100, Marc Haber wrote:
> On Fri, Nov 24, 2006 at 05:11:25PM +1100, CaT wrote:
> > So there is absolutely no need for the create option in logrotate
> 
> Not having the logs created might break monitoring mechanisms.

Sorry, the other thing about this:

Testing as to wether or not the logfile exists does not test wether
exim is functioning. It's the logrotation that creates the logfile 
and so a test for its presence is a test for logrotation and nothing
more. As such you need to have your monitoring system test further in
order to report the right thing.

Testing for logfile deltas is not effected by having the logrotation
mechanism create (or not create) the logfile as you are testing for
changes from one check to the next. Not having a change in the logfile
does not indicate a service is down though. It could just indicate
things are quiet and so it's just a hint for other things.

Testing the content of the logfile for certain clues as to status is 
not effected by the logfiles lack either. You still have to check to see
what that means. Is the service down or did the logrotation just fail in
a bizarre way.

In short there's nothing really gained by precreating the logfile except
a small chance for pain.

-- 
    "To the extent that we overreact, we proffer the terrorists the
    greatest tribute."
    	- High Court Judge Michael Kirby