In a Samba configuration file, which log parameter provides the machine name in the log path?

The specified parameter that provides the machine name in the log path is the one that uses the placeholder "%m." In Samba configuration, the "%m" substitution is specifically used to represent the NetBIOS name of the client machine that is connecting to the Samba server at that time. This allows for individual logs to be created for each client machine, making it easier to track and troubleshoot issues on a per-machine basis.

For example, if a client machine with the NetBIOS name "CLIENT1" connects to the server, the log file will be created as "/var/log/samba/log.CLIENT1." This personalized logging is essential for administrators who monitor Samba activity, as it aids in isolating problems tied to specific clients.

Other placeholders like "%c" for the service name or "%I," which refers to the IP address of the client, do not directly correspond to the machine's NetBIOS name and will not provide the same granularity of information for each individual machine. Therefore, the use of "%m" is key for capturing the log data in a way that reflects each specific machine's interactions with the Samba server.