Splunk Enterprise Certified Admin Practice Test

What types of data can Scripted Inputs gather that other input methods cannot?

1. Only textual log files

2. Diagnostic data and transient data

3. Static database entries

4. Network performance metrics

The correct answer is: Diagnostic data and transient data

Scripted inputs in Splunk are particularly versatile because they allow for the collection of data generated dynamically during the execution of custom scripts. This capability means that scripted inputs can gather diagnostic data and transient data, which may not be readily accessible or easily captured through standard input methods. Diagnostic data often includes system metrics, application logs, or any outputs produced by diagnostic tools and scripts that run to assess system health or performance. Transient data, on the other hand, refers to data that is not continuously stored, such as temporary files or data generated during specific processes, making scripted inputs ideal for capturing this kind of ephemeral information. Other input methods in Splunk, such as file monitoring or network data collection, are typically more structured and may not accommodate the dynamic nature of diagnostic and transient data collection as effectively as scripted inputs. This unique functionality highlights the strength of scripted inputs in scenarios where data is generated on-the-fly or requires real-time querying by user-defined scripts.