Splunk SPLK-1001 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions
Question 1:
When setting up an alert action in Splunk to trigger a custom script (like a Python or shell script), it is important that Splunk can locate and execute the specified script.
In which directory does Splunk by default look for custom alert action scripts?
A. $SPLUNK_HOME/bin/custom-scripts
B. $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/alert-scripts
C. $SPLUNK_HOME/bin/etc/scripts
D. $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/scripts/alert
Answer: B
Explanation:
By default, Splunk looks for custom alert action scripts in the $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/alert-scripts directory. This directory is specifically designed to store custom scripts that can be executed as part of an alert action, such as Python or shell scripts. When configuring a custom alert action, you would place your script in this directory, and then configure Splunk to execute it in response to certain alerts.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
$SPLUNK_HOME/bin/custom-scripts (A): This is not the default directory for custom alert action scripts in Splunk. The bin directory typically contains executable files and command-line utilities but is not used for alert action scripts.
$SPLUNK_HOME/bin/etc/scripts (C): This directory does not exist by default in Splunk’s directory structure. The bin directory is generally for executables, and Splunk stores configuration and script-related files under the etc directory.
$SPLUNK_HOME/etc/scripts/alert (D): While it might seem logical, this is not the correct default location. Splunk stores alert-related scripts in the alert-scripts folder, not under a scripts/alert path.
In conclusion, $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/alert-scripts (B) is the correct directory where Splunk looks for custom alert action scripts.
Question 2:
In most search engines or databases, if you enter multiple keywords without specifying a Boolean operator, the system applies a default operator to combine them. Which Boolean operator is used by default to connect the keywords unless otherwise specified?
A. OR
B. NOT
C. AND
D. XOR
Answer: C
Explanation:
In most search engines and databases, when multiple keywords are entered without explicitly specifying a Boolean operator, the system typically applies the AND operator by default. This means the system will return results that contain all of the specified keywords, ensuring that the results are more specific and relevant to the query.
For example, if you search for "data analysis trends" without specifying an operator, the search engine will likely return results that contain both "data," "analysis," and "trends" (i.e., all of those words appear in the result), which aligns with the AND operator behavior.
Here’s why the other options are not correct:
OR (A): The OR operator is used when you want to return results that contain any of the specified keywords. While useful in some contexts, it is not the default operator for most search engines and databases.
NOT (B): The NOT operator is used to exclude certain keywords from the results. It is not used by default and is explicitly specified when you want to filter out specific terms from your search.
XOR (D): The XOR (exclusive OR) operator is not commonly used in search engines or databases. It is a logical operator that returns results where only one of the conditions is true, but it’s not the default behavior for most search systems.
In conclusion, the default Boolean operator used to connect multiple keywords in most search engines and databases is AND (C), as it ensures that all specified keywords are present in the results.
Question 3:
When using the stats command in Splunk, what is the function of the values() operator?
A. It lists every occurrence of a given field, including duplicates.
B. It only lists distinct occurrences of a given field.
C. It counts the unique values of a specified field.
D. It totals the number of events that match the search query.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The values() operator in Splunk is used to list the distinct occurrences of a specified field, meaning it only includes unique values for that field. When using the stats command in a Splunk search, this operator aggregates the data by returning a list of all unique values for a given field, excluding duplicates.
For example, if you have a field called host and there are several events with the same host, using the values(host) operator will return a list of distinct host values from the events that match the search query.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
A. It lists every occurrence of a given field, including duplicates. This describes the behavior of the list() operator, not values(). The list() operator would include duplicates, whereas values() specifically excludes them.
C. It counts the unique values of a specified field. This describes the behavior of the dc() (distinct count) operator, not the values() operator. dc() counts the number of distinct values, whereas values() returns the distinct values themselves.
D. It totals the number of events that match the search query. This would describe the behavior of the count() operator, not the values() operator. count() totals the number of events, but values() deals with listing unique values of a field.
In conclusion, the values() operator in Splunk lists distinct occurrences of a given field, making B the correct answer.
Question 4:
In Splunk, if you're using the stats command and want to find out how many unique values there are for a particular field, which function would you use?
A. dc(field)
B. count(field)
C. count-by(field)
D. distinct-count(field)
Answer: A
Explanation:
To find out how many unique values there are for a particular field in Splunk when using the stats command, you would use the dc(field) function. The dc() function stands for distinct count and returns the number of distinct (unique) values for the specified field.
For example, if you wanted to count how many distinct values are present in the host field, you would use:
| stats dc(host)
This would return the count of unique values for the host field.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
B. count(field): The count() function simply returns the total count of events matching a search, or the total occurrences of a specific field. It doesn't provide a count of unique values—just a total count of all values, which can include duplicates.
C. count-by(field): There is no count-by() function in Splunk. This option doesn’t exist in the context of the stats command.
D. distinct-count(field): While this may seem similar to the correct answer, distinct-count() is not a valid function in Splunk. The correct function for counting unique values is dc(), not distinct-count().
In conclusion, to count how many unique values there are for a particular field in Splunk, you would use the dc(field) function, making A the correct answer.
Question 5:
In platforms like Splunk, a comprehensive collection of components such as data inputs, user interface elements, and knowledge objects (e.g., saved searches, reports, and dashboards) is often used to create functionality within the platform. What term describes this collection of components?
A. A module
B. A package
C. An app
D. A feature set
Answer: C
Explanation:
In Splunk, a collection of components such as data inputs, user interface elements, and knowledge objects (like saved searches, reports, and dashboards) is referred to as an app. An app in Splunk is a self-contained set of functionalities that can extend or enhance the platform’s capabilities. Apps can include various components like custom dashboards, data models, reports, and scripts that are designed to perform specific tasks or integrate with other systems.
For example, a Splunk app could provide specialized dashboards for monitoring security events or a custom app designed for analyzing web traffic data. Apps can be created by users or downloaded from the Splunkbase to enhance or tailor Splunk's functionality to suit different use cases.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
A. A module: A module generally refers to a smaller component or feature that is part of a larger system. While modules can be part of an app, they don’t describe the comprehensive collection of components as an app does.
B. A package: A package is more of a general term for a collection of files or components that may be installed together. In Splunk, a package may refer to an app or add-on, but the term "app" is more specific when referring to the full set of components, such as knowledge objects, reports, and dashboards.
D. A feature set: A feature set is a collection of functionalities or features, but it doesn't describe the full set of components (data inputs, reports, knowledge objects, etc.) as an app does. "Feature set" is a more abstract term and doesn't refer to a specific collection of components in Splunk.
In conclusion, an app (C) is the correct term in Splunk for a comprehensive collection of components like data inputs, user interface elements, and knowledge objects used to create functionality within the platform.
Question 6:
Which of the following best describes the behavior of alerts in Splunk?
A. Alerts in Splunk can be triggered by searches that run on a schedule or in real-time, depending on how they are configured.
B. Splunk alerts only send email notifications when specific conditions are met.
C. Alerts in Splunk require cron jobs for scheduling and execution.
D. Alerts in Splunk can only be triggered by real-time searches and are not schedulable.
Answer: A
Explanation:
In Splunk, alerts are designed to trigger based on specific conditions defined in a search query. These alerts can be configured in two ways:
Scheduled searches: Alerts can be based on searches that run on a scheduled basis, such as every 5 minutes, hourly, daily, etc.
Real-time searches: Alerts can also be triggered based on real-time searches, which continuously monitor and trigger the alert as soon as a condition is met.
This flexibility allows administrators to configure alerts based on either scheduled or real-time search criteria, depending on the use case and the type of data being monitored.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
B. Splunk alerts only send email notifications when specific conditions are met. While it's true that Splunk alerts can send email notifications, they can also trigger a variety of other actions, such as running scripts, sending SNMP traps, or indexing event data. The behavior isn't limited to email notifications.
C. Alerts in Splunk require cron jobs for scheduling and execution. While scheduling alerts in Splunk does use cron-like syntax for defining the search frequency, users do not need to manually manage cron jobs. Splunk handles the scheduling internally, so there is no need to manually configure cron jobs for alert execution.
D. Alerts in Splunk can only be triggered by real-time searches and are not schedulable. This statement is incorrect because, as mentioned earlier, Splunk alerts can be triggered by both real-time searches and scheduled searches, giving users flexibility based on their needs.
In conclusion, A is the correct answer: alerts in Splunk can be triggered by searches that run on a schedule or in real-time, depending on how they are configured. This provides flexibility in alert management and response.
Question 7:
In the context of using the stats command in Splunk, what does the by clause do when added to the command?
A. It groups the search results by one or more specified fields.
B. It calculates statistics for each individual field separately.
C. It defines the separator for values within a multi-value field.
D. It separates the input data into multiple result tables based on field values.
Answer: A
Explanation:
The by clause in Splunk’s stats command is used to group the search results based on one or more specified fields. This allows you to compute statistics (such as counts, sums, averages, etc.) for subsets of your data that share common values in the specified fields.
For example, if you want to calculate the total number of events by host and source, the by clause would be used to separate and group the results by those fields:
| stats count by host, source
This command counts the events for each unique combination of host and source in your search results, grouping them accordingly.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
B. It calculates statistics for each individual field separately. The by clause doesn't calculate statistics for individual fields separately. Instead, it groups the data based on field values before calculating the statistics.
C. It defines the separator for values within a multi-value field. This statement is unrelated to the by clause in the stats command. Defining a separator for multi-value fields would be a different action, not something accomplished by the by clause.
D. It separates the input data into multiple result tables based on field values. While the by clause does group the results, it doesn’t create separate result tables. It organizes the statistics into a single result table with groupings based on the specified fields.
In conclusion, the by clause in the stats command groups the search results based on one or more specified fields, making A the correct answer.
Question 8:
When refining your search results in Splunk's Search Processing Language (SPL), which syntax allows you to add or remove specific fields from your search output?
A. Use field + to include and field - to exclude
B. Use table + to add and table - to remove
C. Use fields + to include and fields - to exclude
D. Use fields Plus to add and fields Minus to remove
Answer: C
Explanation:
In Splunk's Search Processing Language (SPL), you can refine the search results by including or excluding specific fields using the fields command with the + and - symbols.
fields + is used to include specific fields in the results.
fields - is used to exclude specific fields from the results.
For example, if you want to include the host and source fields while excluding the user field, you can use the following SPL:
| fields + host, source - user
This would return only the host and source fields in the results and exclude the user field.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
A. Use field + to include and field - to exclude: This is not the correct syntax in SPL. The correct command is fields, not field. Additionally, the fields command allows you to work with multiple fields at once, not just a single field.
B. Use table + to add and table - to remove: The table command is used to display results in a tabular format, but it does not handle the inclusion or exclusion of fields. The fields command is the appropriate one for that purpose.
D. Use fields Plus to add and fields Minus to remove: This is not correct syntax in Splunk SPL. The correct syntax uses the + and - operators, not the words "Plus" or "Minus."
In conclusion, the correct syntax to add or remove fields from your search output in Splunk SPL is to use the fields + to include and fields - to exclude, making C the correct answer.
Question 9:
After running a search in Splunk, a particular field appears in the results but isn't visible in the "Fields" sidebar under "Interesting Fields" or "Selected Fields." To make this field more easily accessible, what should you do?
A. Click on All Fields, find the field, and manually add it to the Selected Fields list.
B. Click on Interesting Fields and move the desired field to the Selected Fields list.
C. Move the field from Selected Fields to Interesting Fields.
D. Fields returned by a search are always shown in the Fields sidebar, so this action isn't necessary.
Answer: A
Explanation:
In Splunk, when you run a search, fields that appear in the results are initially visible in the All Fields section of the Fields sidebar. However, not all fields are automatically categorized as Interesting Fields or added to the Selected Fields list.
To make a specific field more accessible for easier analysis or to keep it readily available for use, you need to manually add it to the Selected Fields list from the All Fields section. This makes it easier to refer to the field later in your analysis. Here's how you can do it:
Click on All Fields in the sidebar.
Find the field you want to add.
Manually add it to the Selected Fields list.
This will ensure that the field becomes more prominent and easily accessible for future searches or analysis.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
B. Click on Interesting Fields and move the desired field to the Selected Fields list. This option suggests that you can move fields from Interesting Fields to Selected Fields, but fields in Interesting Fields are typically the ones that Splunk considers most relevant or used in the current search. The field in question may not be categorized as "Interesting" yet, so it needs to be added manually from All Fields.
C. Move the field from Selected Fields to Interesting Fields. This option doesn’t address the issue of a field not appearing in the sidebar. The correct action is to move the field from All Fields to Selected Fields, not the other way around.
D. Fields returned by a search are always shown in the Fields sidebar, so this action isn't necessary. This is incorrect because fields returned in the search results are not always automatically added to the Interesting Fields or Selected Fields sections. Therefore, you need to manually add them to ensure easy access.
In conclusion, to make the field more easily accessible, you should go to All Fields and manually add it to the Selected Fields list, making A the correct answer.
Question 10:
Which Splunk feature allows you to automate the process of running searches and sending notifications based on specific conditions?
A. Scheduled Search
B. Data Model
C. Indexing Engine
D. Alert Actions
Answer: A
Explanation:
The Scheduled Search feature in Splunk allows you to automate the process of running searches at predefined times or intervals. Once a search is scheduled, it will automatically execute based on the specified schedule (e.g., every 15 minutes, hourly, daily) without manual intervention. Additionally, you can configure the search to trigger an alert if specific conditions are met, such as a threshold being crossed or a particular pattern being detected.
For example, you can set up a scheduled search to run every hour and check for error messages in log data. If the search finds errors, it can trigger an alert action, such as sending an email notification.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
B. Data Model: A Data Model is used in Splunk to organize and structure data for use in pivots, reports, and dashboards. While it is important for data analysis, it does not automate searches or trigger notifications.
C. Indexing Engine: The Indexing Engine is responsible for processing and storing incoming data in Splunk. It plays a crucial role in data storage and retrieval but does not automate searches or send notifications.
D. Alert Actions: Alert Actions are the specific actions taken when an alert is triggered, such as sending an email, running a script, or creating a ticket. However, Alert Actions work in conjunction with scheduled searches and are not the main feature for automating searches.
In conclusion, Scheduled Search is the feature that allows you to automate the process of running searches and sending notifications, making A the correct answer.
