static method getLog() that combines the typical two-step pattern: Log log = LogFactory.getFactory().getInstance("Foo"); into a single method call: Log log = LogFactory.getLog("Foo"); For example, you might use the following technique to initialize and use a Log instance in an application component: import org.apache.commons.logging.Log; import org.apache.commons.logging.LogFactory; public class MyComponent { protected static Log log = LogFactory.getLog("my.component"); // Called once at startup time...