Splunk Enterprise Certified Admin Practice Test

What kind of files are .conf files in the Splunk environment?

1. Binary files

2. Directory files

3. Text files with a stanza and name/value format

4. Encrypted files

The correct answer is: Text files with a stanza and name/value format

In the Splunk environment, .conf files are indeed text files that utilize a stanza and name/value format. This structure allows users to easily configure various settings and parameters within Splunk. Each .conf file is divided into sections called stanzas, which define different settings related to specific components or functionalities of Splunk. Within each stanza, settings are specified in the format of key-value pairs, making it straightforward to read and modify the configurations as needed. This format is advantageous because it provides clarity and organization, allowing administrators to manage configurations for data inputs, indexes, roles, and many other aspects of Splunk. The use of plain text makes it easier to edit these files with standard text editors and enables version control systems to track changes over time. While the other options indicate characteristics that do not apply to .conf files—such as being binary or encrypted—in reality, .conf files' text-based structure is essential for the readability and manageability of configurations within the Splunk platform.