Better Logger

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Better Logger is a native macOS application (built with SwiftUI) specifically categorized as an advanced log viewer and debugging tool for iOS development. It operates on macOS 14.6+.
2. Core Value Proposition: Better Logger exists to solve the inefficiency and lack of organization inherent in traditional iOS debugging methods (like Console.app). It provides iOS developers with real-time log streaming from simulators, visual log organization, and seamless integration with modern AI-powered development tools via MCP, significantly accelerating debugging workflows.

Main Features

1. Real-Time Log Streaming:
   • How it works: Better Logger automatically detects active iOS Simulators and establishes a direct connection to stream their system and application logs instantly. It utilizes macOS system frameworks for simulator interaction, ensuring low-latency data transfer. Developers see logs appear live as their app executes within the simulator, enabling immediate issue identification.
   • Technology: Leverages Apple's simctl command-line tool and underlying Core frameworks for simulator management and log access.
2. Lane-Based Organization:
   • How it works: The application employs advanced log parsing heuristics to automatically categorize incoming log entries based on their content, subsystem, or custom patterns. Each category is assigned a distinct, color-coded visual lane within the UI. Developers can dynamically toggle lanes on or off to isolate specific log types (e.g., network, errors, specific modules), drastically reducing visual clutter and focusing attention.
   • Technology: Custom parsing algorithms analyze log entry metadata and content to perform intelligent categorization and lane creation.
3. MCP (Machine Control Protocol) Integration:
   • How it works: Better Logger exposes a suite of 7 specific MCP tools (list_devices, list_sessions, list_lanes, get_logs, get_session_logs, start_log_stream, stop_log_stream). These tools allow MCP-compatible IDEs like Cursor to programmatically interact with Better Logger. Developers can query available simulators, retrieve live or saved logs with filters, manage log streams, and list discovered lanes directly within their IDE, enabling powerful AI-assisted debugging and automation.
   • Technology: Implements the MCP specification, providing a JSON-RPC over WebSocket API that IDEs can consume.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Inefficient and Disorganized Log Analysis. Traditional tools like Console.app present a monolithic, chronologically ordered stream of logs from all system and app sources, making it extremely difficult to isolate relevant information for iOS app debugging, leading to slow issue identification.
2. Target Audience: Primarily iOS Developers using macOS, especially those working extensively with iOS Simulators during development and testing phases. It benefits developers in individual, team, or agency settings who need faster debugging cycles. Secondary users include developers leveraging AI-powered IDEs like Cursor.
3. Use Cases:
   • Rapid Debugging During Development: Instantly see and filter live logs while testing app features in the simulator.
   • Performance Optimization: Use the Memory Monitor (Pro) to track real-time memory and CPU usage alongside logs to pinpoint leaks or bottlenecks.
   • AI-Powered Workflow Integration: Utilize MCP tools within Cursor to ask AI assistants questions about live logs or automate log retrieval and analysis.
   • Collaboration & Reporting: Export logs (Pro) in Markdown, JSON, CSV, or Text formats to share debugging sessions with team members or include in reports.
   • Managing Complex Logs: Organize logs from large applications or multiple simultaneous simulator sessions into manageable, focused lanes.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike generic log viewers or the built-in Console.app, Better Logger is laser-focused on the iOS Simulator workflow. It surpasses competitors through its unique lane-based visualization for instant clarity and its deep MCP integration enabling modern AI-assisted development, features not commonly found together. Its one-time Pro pricing model is also a significant differentiator in a market saturated with subscriptions.
2. Key Innovation: The combination of automated, visual lane organization for logs and the comprehensive MCP toolset represents the core innovation. This transforms log data from an overwhelming stream into structured, actionable insights and bridges the gap between standalone log viewers and integrated development environments powered by AI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key differences between Better Logger Free and Pro? Better Logger Free offers real-time streaming, lane organization (limited to 2 lanes), basic session saving (3 saves/week), and limited MCP access (3 calls/day). Better Logger Pro unlocks unlimited lanes, unlimited session saves, unlimited MCP calls, log export (Markdown, JSON, CSV, Text), the Memory Monitor for performance tracking, and priority support, all via a one-time $9.99 purchase.
2. Does Better Logger support logging from physical iOS devices? Currently, Better Logger specializes in iOS Simulator log streaming. Physical iOS device support is not available in the current version but is a potential feature for future updates based on developer demand.
3. How does the MCP integration with tools like Cursor actually work? Better Logger acts as an MCP provider, exposing specific tools via a WebSocket API. When using an MCP-compatible IDE like Cursor, developers can invoke Better Logger's tools (e.g., get_logs, start_log_stream) directly within the IDE. This allows the IDE (and its AI features) to retrieve, display, and analyze live or saved simulator logs without leaving the coding environment.
4. Is Better Logger Pro a subscription service? No, Better Logger Pro is not a subscription. It is a one-time purchase priced at $9.99, granting lifetime access to the Pro features for the purchased version. Future major versions may be separate purchases, but existing versions remain fully functional indefinitely with no recurring fees. Previous Pro buyers get a 20% discount on new major versions.
5. What are the system requirements for running Better Logger? Better Logger requires macOS 14.6 (Sonoma) or later. It is a native application built using Apple's SwiftUI framework, ensuring optimal performance and integration with the macOS ecosystem.