Splunk Core Certified User Practice Exam

Which Splunk component handles data indexing?

1. Search Head

2. Forwarder

3. Indexer

4. Deployment Server

The correct answer is: Indexer

The component responsible for data indexing in Splunk is the Indexer. The main role of the Indexer is to process incoming data, which involves indexing and storing it to make it readily accessible for search operations. When data arrives at Splunk, it is transformed into a structured format, assigned a unique identifier, and organized into an index. This process is crucial because it allows users to perform efficient searches and retrieve the relevant information quickly when needed. While other components may also be part of the Splunk architecture, they serve different functions. The Search Head primarily manages search requests and doesn't handle the indexing itself. The Forwarder is used for collecting and sending data to the Indexer and is not involved in the actual indexing process. The Deployment Server is designed for managing the configuration and deployment of other Splunk components but doesn't perform indexing duties either. Thus, the Indexer specifically fulfills the critical role of handling data indexing in the Splunk ecosystem.