persist-tool - Man Page

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Synopsis

persist-tool [command] [options]

Description

This manual page is only an abstract.

The persist-tool application is a utility that can be used to dump the content of the persist file, and manipulate its content.

[](/assets/images/caution.png) CAUTION: Persist-tool is a special tool for syslog-ng experts. Do use the tool unless you know exactly what you are doing. Misconfiguring it will result in irrecoverable damage to the persist file, without any warning.

Limitations: * The persist-state functions can be used only with SLP4 or newer persist files. Older persist files are not supported. * Wildcard characters are not supported in file and directory names.

The Dump Command

dump [options] [persist_file]

Use the dump command to print the current content of the persist file in JSON format to the console.

The dump command has the following options: --help or -?
   Display a brief help message. For example:

```config
    persist-tool dump /Users/hofi/Develop/Balabit/syslog-ng/build/install/var/syslog-ng persist
``` 
A valid output is the following:

```config
run_id = { "value": "00 00 00 00 0C 00 00 00 " }
host_id = { "value": "00 00 00 00 5F 49 2F 01 " }
```

The Add Command

add [options] [input_file]

Use the add command to add or modify a specified state-entry in the persist file. The state-entry should be in the same format as the dump command displays it. If the given state-entry already exists, it will be updated. Otherwise, a new value will be added. If the given persist state is invalid, it will be skipped.

To use the add command: use persist-tool dump to print the content of the current persist file, and redirect it to a file. Edit the content of this file. Use persist-tool add with this file to modify the persist.

The add command has the following options: --help or -?
   Display a brief help message.

--output-dir=<directory> or -o
   Required parameter. The directory where the persist file is located at. The name of the persist file stored in this directory must be syslog-ng.persist.

--persist-name=<filename> or -p
   Optional parameter. The name of the persist file to generate. Default value: syslog-ng.persist. For example:

``` shell
/Users/hofi/Develop/Balabit/syslog-ng/build/install/bin/persist-tool add dump_persist -o .
```

A valid output is the following:

```config
log_reader_curpos(Application)      OK
affile_sd_curpos(/var/aaa.txt)        OK
```

An invalid output is the following:

```config
log_reader_curpos(Application)      OK
wrong
FAILED (error: Invalid entry syntax)
affile_sd_curpos(/var/aaa.txt)        OK
```

Files

/Users/hofi/Develop/Balabit/syslog-ng/build/install/bin/persist-tool

See Also

syslog-ng.conf(5)

NOTE: If you experience any problems or need help with syslog-ng OSE, see the syslog-ng OSE Administration Guide[1], or visit the syslog-ng OSE mailing list[2]. For news and notifications about syslog-ng OSE, visit the syslog-ng OSE blogs[3].

Author

This manual page was generated from the syslog-ng OSE Administration Guide[1], which was written by several contributors to whom we'd like to extend our sincere thanks.

Notes

[1] syslog-ng OSE Administration Guide
   ⟨https://syslog-ng.github.io/admin-guide/README

[2] syslog-ng OSE mailing list
   ⟨https://lists.balabit.hu/mailman/listinfo/syslog-ng

[3] syslog-ng OSE blogs
   ⟨https://syslog-ng.com/blog/

Info

18 December 2025 4.10.2 The persist-tool manual page