The C:\xampp\apache\logs\error.log file is the main log file that records all error messages, warnings, and important runtime events of the Apache web server running on XAMPP. This file helps identify problems such as Apache server errors, module deficiencies, .htaccess problems, or port conflicts.

To view this log file from the command line in a Windows environment, the more command can be used:

more C:\xampp\apache\logs\error.log

This command displays the contents of the file page by page. Press Enter for more lines, and the spacebar to skip pages.

Common Errors in the Log File:

Port 80 is in use:

(OS 10013)Attempt to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions : AH00072: make_sock: could not bind to address 0.0.0.0:80

This error indicates that port 80 is being used by another application (e.g., Skype, IIS).

.htaccess errors:

AH00526: Syntax error on line 1 of C:/xampp/htdocs/.htaccess

Syntax errors in the .htaccess file prevent Apache from functioning properly.

PHP errors (logged via Apache):

PHP Parse error:  syntax error, unexpected 'echo' (T_ECHO) in C:\xampp\htdocs\dosya.php on line 10

Code errors are logged in Apache's error.log.

To Monitor Live (Linux-Like Experience):

To monitor current lines via CMD or PowerShell:

Get-Content C:\xampp\apache\logs\error.log -Wait

This command is equivalent to tail -f in Linux. As new lines are added to the log file, they are displayed instantly.

To Clear the Log File:

echo. > C:\xampp\apache\logs\error.log

This command resets the file, but it does not take effect until Apache is restarted.

Frequently checking the error.log file during the troubleshooting process in web projects running on XAMPP is very important for the rapid detection and resolution of errors.