Difference Between console.log() and console.info()
Introduction
In JavaScript, both console.log() and console.info() are used to print messages to the console, but they have subtle differences. While they are functionally similar in many environments, they serve different purposes in logging and debugging. Understanding their distinctions can help developers write more structured and meaningful logs.
Purpose and Usage
console.log()
console.log() is the most commonly used method for logging messages to the console. It is primarily used for debugging, printing variable values, and tracking the execution flow of a program. Developers frequently use it for quick insights into how their code is executing.
console.info()
console.info() serves a more specific purpose: logging informational messages. Although it functions almost identically to console.log(), it semantically indicates that the message is for informational purposes rather than general debugging. Some browsers differentiate these messages visually, making them easier to identify in a large set of logs.
Different behaviour in different cases-
In Web Browsers
Most modern web browsers, such as Chrome and Firefox, display console.info() messages slightly differently than console.log(). In some cases, console.info() appears with an "i" icon or has different styling to indicate an informational log. However, in many browsers, both methods behave the same and are displayed similarly.
In Node.js
In a Node.js environment, console.log() and console.info() function identically. Both write messages to the standard output stream (stdout), and there is no visual distinction between them. This makes console.info() redundant in most Node.js applications unless used for semantic clarity.
When to Use Each Method
Use console.log() for General Debugging
If you need to inspect variable values, check function outputs, or follow the execution flow of your code, console.log() is the best option. It is widely used and recognized as the default logging method for debugging.
Use console.info() for Informational Messages
When logging important but non-critical messages, such as system status updates, metadata, or notices, console.info() can be helpful. It allows for better log categorization, especially when combined with other logging methods like console.warn() and console.error().
Conclusion
While console.log() and console.info() are nearly identical in many cases, their intended purposes differ. console.log() is a general debugging tool, whereas console.info() is meant for informational logs. Choosing the right method can help make debugging and log management more efficient, especially in complex applications.
