Website analysis tools

To do website analysis, we need to find appropriate tools. Simply put, website analysis tools can be divided into three types.

1) server software
For example, Awstats. Is a set of software installed on the server, by directly reading the Website access Log files for statistical analysis.
Advantages:
It can be accessed from anywhere;
High speed, because these statistical analyses are usually performed on a regular basis through Cron tasks;
Free, Awstats is a free open-source software, and many space service providers provide similar services along with the space;
High reliability, because the Log file is directly read, of course, all access services have records;
Privacy issues, because they use their own analysis tools, and of course there is no chance of being obtained by a third party;
Website access error statistics are also based on Log statistics. All access records are available, including 404 errors and other error statistics;
Search engine spider access statistics

2) desktop software
This kind of software is usually commercial and rarely free, such as Web Trends and Sawmill.
Generally, this software is installed on the user's desktop, and the website's Log files are regularly downloaded for local analysis and statistics. You do not need to access the Internet.

3) online statistics service
This kind of service is very popular now. Currently, Google Analytics is the most widely used service.
To use the online statistics service, you must add a piece of Statistical code to all pages of your website. During the statistical process, the 404 errors are not counted.

In fact, the three types I mentioned above have their own strengths and weaknesses. It is not a good idea. So, you only need to choose one that you are familiar with or convenient to use.

At ordinary times, David Yin mainly uses the first and third types, that is, AwStats and Google Analytics.