Are calculated fields static or dynamic in Splunk?

In Splunk, calculated fields are considered dynamic. This means that these fields are not stored in the index; rather, they are computed at search time based on the underlying raw data. When a calculated field is defined, Splunk evaluates the defined expression whenever a search is executed, allowing for real-time data analysis and flexibility in how data is viewed.

The dynamic nature of these fields allows users to modify how they analyze and present their data without the need to alter the underlying dataset. As new data flows in, the calculated fields can immediately reflect changes based on the criteria set up for calculation, which helps maintain the relevance and accuracy of the displayed information for users conducting searches.

This stands in contrast to static fields, which are pre-computed and stored in the indexed data, leading to limitations in adaptability when new data comes in. Understanding this dynamic aspect is key for utilizing Splunk's capabilities effectively.