persist-tool(1) The persist-tool manual page persist-tool(1)

persist-tool --- {{ site.product.short_name }} configuration file

persist-tool [command] [options]

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.

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.

persist-tool dump /usr/var/syslog-ng.persist

A valid output is the following:

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

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.

/usr/bin/persist-tool add dump_persist -o .

A valid output is the following:

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

An invalid output is the following:

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

/usr/bin/persist-tool

The syslog-ng.conf manual page

The syslog-ng OSE manual page

03 September 2025 4.9.0