Enable the trace service

Use the WebSphere administrative console to enable the trace service for an application server. The trace service can be enabled dynamically or statically for an application server.

When you enable trace dynamically, the trace settings are in effect only for the lifetime of the server. The trace settings are not saved to the application server configuration. Use dynamic trace when the problem you are diagnosing occurs after the application server has started successfully.

When you enable trace statically, the trace settings are not enabled until the application server is started (or restarted). The trace settings are used every time you start the application server. Use static trace when the problem you are diagnosing occurs during application server startup.

Note: Depending on the amount of trace event data being collected, the trace service can negatively affect performance of the application server. Once you have gathered the appropriate trace, be sure to disable the trace service.

Enable the trace service

To enable a trace service, follow these steps:

1. Start the administrative console.
2. Expand Troubleshooting.
3. Click Logs and Trace.
4. Click your application server from the table.
5. Click Diagnostic trace.
6. Select a tracing option:
   • To enable trace statically, select the Configuration tab.
   • To enable trace dynamically, select the Runtime tab.

   The panel displays the attribute values currently assigned. Make any configuration changes and continue.

7. Click Apply.
8. If enabling static trace, click the Save link at the top of the page to save your configuration changes. Click Save on the resulting page.

Disable the trace service

To disable a trace service, follow these steps:

1. Start the administrative console.
2. Expand Troubleshooting.
3. Click Logs and Trace.
4. Click your application server from the table.
5. Click Diagnostic trace.
6. Select a tracing option:
   • To disable a static trace, select the Configuration tab. Uncheck the Enable Trace checkbox.
   • To disable a dynamic trace, select the Runtime tab. Change the Trace Specification to *=all=disabled.

   The panel displays the attribute values currently assigned. Make any configuration changes and continue.

7. Click Apply.
8. If enabling static trace, click the Save link at the top of the page to save your configuration changes. Click Save on the resulting page.