What does log rotation mean?

[SEOPTI]

I really don't get it, what does it mean? What's the reason for rotating server log files?

[phranque]

depending on the volume of traffic on your site you would typically close your log files, back them up and open new ones daily or weekly.
this allows you to compress and archive or otherwise maintain your log files as required.
most importantly it prevents the files from become too large to manage or find things.

[SEOPTI]

Thank you!