Accessing BasePage from Master Page - asp.net

Question

I'm adding a custom control dynamically in master page code-behind:
try
{
// Add custom sidenav menu control dynamically
SideNavMenu sidenav = new SideNavMenu();
tempPath = Request.RawUrl.ToLower();
path = tempPath.Contains(#"/sitename") ? tempPath.Substring(7) : tempPath;
sidenav.MenuPath = path;
menuPlaceHolder.Controls.Add(sidenav);
}
catch
{
// Handle this - custom error form and email
// Master page needs access to base page LogError method
}
This is the base page with ErrorLog() method, which actually generates an email:
public partial class BasePage : System.Web.UI.Page
{
public void LogError(Exception error)
{
...
smtpClient.Send(message);
}
}
How can I call ErrorLog from master page code-behind? Or is there a better place to put the "common" ErrorLog method? Can someone suggest correct syntax or a better approach?

Answer 1

Place the LogError function in a class in your App_Code folder and probably make it a static function. If it's reusable through multiple projects, then place it in a seperate class library. Your BasePage class has no business implementing the details of logging errors and sending emails. Remember Separation of Concerns (SoC).
In fact, a library already exists to do this for you, called Elmah.

Answer 2

I highly recommend NLog for your purposes. It allows for configurable logging, including via SMTP. Your code would look like:
using Nlog;
public partial class BasePage : System.Web.UI.Page
{
private static Logger bpLogger = LogManager.GetCurrentClassLogger();
public void LogError(Exception error)
{
bpLogger.LogException(
LogLevel.Error,
"ruh roh",
error
);
...
//smtpClient.Send(message);
}
}
Because NLog is pretty efficient, you can instantiate a private static Logger object per page you are logging on. Additionally, the logger will automatically record which class it came from, and various configuration options allow you to change where it logs, how it logs and when it logs without changing any other code.
Here is a link to the configuration for sending errors via SMTP, for example:
https://github.com/nlog/NLog/wiki/Mail-target
It's a mature project that has been around for a very long time and can grow with your project as your logging needs grow.