What is the difference between data file and log file?

What is the difference between file and data file?

A data file is a collection of related records stored on a storage medium such as a hard disk or optical disc. A Student file at a school might consist of thousands of individual student records. Each student record in the file contains the same fields. Each field, however, contains different data.

What does a log file do?

A log file is a computer-generated data file that contains information about usage patterns, activities, and operations within an operating system, application, server or another device.

What type of data are log files?

Logs files are a historical record of everything and anything that happens within a system, including events such as transactions, errors and intrusions.

Should I log to database or file?

If it's a user error that's likely to happen during expected usage (e.g. user enters an invalid email etc.), that should go into a database to take advantage of easy queries. If it's a code error that shouldn't happen (can't get username of a logged in user), that should be reserved for a txt file.