Create multiple Logfiles with dynamic Names with log4net - log4net

Question

I'm using log4net in a Windows Service. This Service processes some RFID Reader. Currently we are logging all tasks of all Reader in one Logfile. This works fine.
But now I want to log the tasks of each Reader in a separate File. The Readers are identified by their IP Address. So I want to take the IP Address as part of the Filename.
The option in log4net to create dynamic file appenders seems not to fit for me, because I would have to manage the assignment from Reader to log file, each time I write a log.
Is there an appropriate way to do this in log4net, or is it not possible?

Answer 1

In my Logclass I used a Dictionary<string, ILog> for my Loggers. I've overloaded methods, either they use the Default-Logger or they get the Key for the Dictionary to use the specified Logger.
public static class Log
{
private static readonly Dictionary<string, ILog> loggers = new Dictionary<string, ILog>();
static Log()
{
XmlConfigurator.Configure();
}
public static void Debug(string message)
{
Debug(Logger.Default, message);
}
public static void Debug(string readerIp, string message)
{
GetLoggerInternal(readerIp).Debug(message);
}
private static ILog GetLoggerInternal(string logger)
{
if (!loggers.ContainsKey(logger))
{
var appender = CreateRollingFileAppender(logger);
appender.ActivateOptions();
loggers.Add(logger, LogManager.GetLogger(logger));
((log4net.Repository.Hierarchy.Logger)loggers[logger].Logger).AddAppender(appender);
}
return loggers[logger];
}
private static RollingFileAppender CreateRollingFileAppender(string readingPointIp)
{
var layout = new PatternLayout
{
ConversionPattern = "%date [%thread] %-5level %logger [%property{NDC}] - %message%newline"
};
layout.ActivateOptions();
return new RollingFileAppender
{
Name = readingPointIp,
AppendToFile = true,
DatePattern = "yyyyMMdd",
MaximumFileSize = "1MB",
MaxSizeRollBackups = 10,
RollingStyle = RollingFileAppender.RollingMode.Composite,
File = $"..\\Log\\{readingPointIp}_log.txt",
Layout = layout
};
}
}
It is important to call the .ActivateOptions(); methods, they instantiate the Appender and Layout Classes. I use LogManager.GetLogger to create a new Logger. To add the appender I've to cast the logger, to use AddAppender.
Now I just have to call Log.Debug(readingPoint.IpAddress, "Some readingpoint specific log message."); and I've this message in a file, with the IP Address in it's name.