Logging plugin usage and interaction for a user study
Hello - I'm wondering what the best way is to go about the following:
I have finished developing my plugin and would like to use it in a user study as part of academic work. I am planning to have participants in my study install the plugin as a JAR and would like to record usage on how often certain actions from my plugin were invoked, how many commits the user examined, etc. and I think the simplest way would be to do this by logging. Is it possible for my plugin to generate a log file that can store this information so that when a user has concluded using my plugin, I can request them to find and send me this generated log file?
Are there any recommendations for what to look into specifically for accomplishing this?
Thank you in advance!
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I guess a general recommendation would be to record such data in structured format like XML or JSON. You can obtain the logs directory for the IDE via com.intellij.openapi.application.PathManager#getLogPath and create a folder for your data there.
Hi:
Tracking plugin usage can provide valuable insights into how people interact with tools and where improvements are needed. Clear logs and performance data often make it easier to understand user behavior and enhance the overall experience. For students following ITI exam updates, NCVT ITI Result 2026 information is also available at
Hi,
If you're logging plugin usage for a user study, it's helpful to capture meaningful interaction data while respecting participant privacy and obtaining proper consent. Well-structured logs often make analysis much easier later on. I also came across which has interesting discussions and practical resources on technology, software, and other digital topics.