🔗 What is /var/log: Understanding Linux System Logs

Your Linux system keeps a detailed record of its activity, and most of it lives in one place: /var/log. It’s the go-to directory when something breaks, slows down, or behaves oddly. For anyone working in DevOps—or even just getting started with Linux—knowing your way around system logs isn’t optional. It’s part of the job.

This guide explains /var/log in clear, practical terms: what it is, why it's useful, and how to read these logs to troubleshoot everyday issues more effectively.