Logging and Tracing API Calls for Troubleshooting

Introduction

Effective logging and tracing of API calls are essential practices for diagnosing and resolving issues when integrating with the Symmetry Tax Engine API. This guide outlines best practices for implementing comprehensive logs on your side and how to collaborate with Symmetry support to troubleshoot errors efficiently.

Implementing Comprehensive Logging

To facilitate effective debugging and support assistance, it is recommended to log the following details for each API request and response:

• Request details: HTTP method, endpoint URL, headers, and request body.
• Response details: status code, response headers, and response body.
• Timestamps: record when the request was sent and the response was received to measure latency.
• Error information: capture any error messages, stack traces, or exception details returned or encountered during the call.
• Unique request identifiers: include or generate a Request ID or correlation ID if supported to track individual transactions.

Structured logging formats, such as JSON, are recommended to enable easier analysis and searching of logs.

Using Logs for Troubleshooting

When you encounter API errors or unexpected behavior, use your logs to identify the root cause by analyzing request parameters, response codes, and error messages. If additional assistance is needed, providing Symmetry support with relevant request IDs or log excerpts will enable faster resolution.

Common API Error Codes and Guidance

• 400 Bad Request: Check that your request syntax and data formats comply with the API specifications.
• 401 Unauthorized: Verify that your API key or authentication token is valid and included in the request headers.
• 403 Forbidden: Confirm your account permissions and subscription plan allow access to the requested resource.
• 500 Internal Server Error: Indicates an error on the server side; include full logs and timestamps when contacting support.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Ensure that sensitive information such as API keys, personal employee data, or tax information is masked or encrypted in your logs to protect privacy and comply with data security standards.

Next Steps

• Implement or enhance your API logging following the guidelines above.
• Review logs regularly to identify and resolve integration issues proactively.
• Contact Symmetry support with detailed logs and request IDs when issues require further investigation.

Additional Resources

• [Link to Symmetry API documentation - Logging and troubleshooting section]
• [Symmetry developer forums or support contact page]