75+ Splunk Interview Questions and Answers for DevOps Engineers [2025]

Core Concepts

1. What is Splunk and its role in DevOps?

• Platform for log analysis, observability.
• Collects machine data from AWS, Kubernetes.
• Indexes logs for searching.
• Supports real-time monitoring.
• Generates dashboards, alerts.
• Enhances DevOps workflows.

Splunk drives system visibility for DevOps.

2. Why is Splunk used in DevOps?

Splunk centralizes machine data from servers, applications, and networks, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis for DevOps teams. Its Search Processing Language (SPL) and integrations with AWS and Kubernetes provide actionable insights, helping detect issues and optimize performance efficiently.

3. When do you deploy Splunk in DevOps?

• Deploy for log aggregation.
• Monitor CI/CD pipelines.
• Track Kubernetes cluster health.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure observability needs.

Deployment supports DevOps monitoring.

4. Where is Splunk installed in a DevOps setup?

Install Splunk on Linux servers or Kubernetes clusters using Docker or Helm charts. Configure with splunkd and validate in a test environment for DevOps log collection.

5. Who uses Splunk in DevOps teams?

• DevOps engineers analyze logs.
• SREs monitor performance.
• Admins configure forwarders.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Collaborate for observability.

Splunk supports team monitoring needs.

6. Which components make up Splunk architecture?

Forwarders collect logs, indexers store and process data, and search heads query indexed data. Configure via Splunk Web UI or inputs.conf. Validate in a test environment to ensure DevOps observability.

7. How does Splunk process data?

• Ingests raw data via forwarders.
• Parses into events.
• Indexes in buckets.
• Searches with SPL queries.
• Validate in test environment.
• Ensure data flow.

Processing enables DevOps insights.

8. What is a Splunk forwarder?

A forwarder collects machine data and sends it to indexers. Universal forwarders are lightweight, while heavy forwarders parse data. Configure in inputs.conf and validate in a test environment for DevOps log collection.

9. Why is indexing critical in Splunk?

• Stores data for searching.
• Optimizes query performance.
• Manages data lifecycle.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Support DevOps monitoring.

Indexing ensures efficient log access.

10. When do you use heavy forwarders?

Use heavy forwarders for data parsing before indexing, unlike universal forwarders. Configure in inputs.conf with transforms.conf and validate in a test environment for DevOps.

11. Where do you configure Splunk settings?

• Edit inputs.conf, outputs.conf.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Store in Kubernetes ConfigMaps.
• Validate in test environment.
• Ensure configuration accuracy.
• Support DevOps workflows.

Settings drive Splunk functionality.

12. Who manages Splunk in DevOps?

DevOps engineers deploy forwarders using Ansible, while admins configure indexers and search heads. Collaboration ensures effective monitoring. Validate in a test environment to confirm setup for DevOps observability.

13. Which tools integrate with Splunk?

• CloudWatch for AWS logs.
• Kubernetes for container metrics.
• Slack for alert notifications.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure data integration.

Integrations enhance DevOps monitoring.

14. How do you install Splunk forwarders?

Install forwarders on Linux with ./splunk start --accept-license and configure outputs.conf with indexer IPs. Validate in a test environment to ensure log forwarding and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

Monitoring

15. What is Splunk infrastructure monitoring?

• Tracks servers, containers, VMs.
• Collects CPU, memory metrics.
• Configures via forwarders.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure system visibility.

Monitoring ensures infrastructure health.

16. Why use Splunk for log management?

Splunk centralizes logs from applications and infrastructure, correlating them with metrics for DevOps observability. Configure via inputs.conf and validate in a test environment to ensure log analysis accuracy.

17. When do you enable Splunk ITSI?

• Enable for IT service monitoring.
• Track KPIs, service health.
• Configure in Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Support DevOps insights.

ITSI enhances service observability.

18. Where do you monitor system logs?

Monitor logs in Splunk Web UI’s Search tab or custom dashboards. Configure forwarders to collect data and validate in a test environment to ensure observability for DevOps workflows.

19. Who configures Splunk monitoring?

DevOps engineers set up forwarders and indexers for log collection. SREs define performance metrics.

• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure team collaboration.
• Support monitoring goals.

Monitoring requires DevOps coordination.

20. Which metrics are key for DevOps?

Key metrics include CPU, memory, disk usage, and network latency for infrastructure health. Configure in inputs.conf and validate in a test environment to ensure observability with Splunk Web UI.

21. How do you monitor Kubernetes logs?

• Deploy forwarders as DaemonSet.
• Configure Kubernetes log inputs.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Ensure log visibility.
• Support DevOps workflows.

Log monitoring tracks cluster health.

22. What causes missing logs in Splunk?

Missing logs result from misconfigured forwarders or network issues. Check inputs.conf and validate in a test environment to restore logs and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

23. Why use Splunk for cloud monitoring?

• Integrates with AWS, Azure.
• Tracks cloud resource logs.
• Supports real-time observability.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure cloud visibility.

Splunk simplifies DevOps cloud monitoring.

24. When do you use Splunk Enterprise Security?

Use Enterprise Security for threat detection and compliance monitoring. Configure in Splunk Web UI and validate in a test environment. Monitor with Splunk Web UI to ensure security insights for DevOps.

25. Where do you view application events?

View events in Splunk Web UI’s Search tab using SPL queries like index=main sourcetype=app_log. Validate in a test environment. Monitor with Splunk Web UI for accuracy.

26. Who validates monitoring accuracy?

DevOps engineers validate logs with test queries, while SREs ensure alignment with performance goals. Collaboration confirms data accuracy. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

27. How do you optimize Splunk monitoring?

• Limit indexed data volume.
• Configure efficient SPL queries.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Reduce indexing latency.
• Ensure monitoring efficiency.

Optimization improves DevOps monitoring.

Dashboards

28. What is a Splunk dashboard?

• Visualizes logs, metrics via SPL.
• Creates charts, tables.
• Configures in Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure DevOps insights.

Dashboards centralize system visibility.

29. Why use dashboard panels?

Dashboard panels organize visualizations for DevOps teams, enabling quick insights. Create via Splunk Web UI with SPL queries and validate in a test environment to ensure consistent monitoring.

30. When do you use dashboard variables?

• Enable dynamic filtering (e.g., indexes).
• Configure in Dashboard > Tokens.
• Support SPL query flexibility.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Enhance DevOps interaction.

Variables improve dashboard usability.

31. Where do you store dashboard XML?

Store dashboard XML in Splunk’s apps directory or Git for version control. Export via Splunk Web UI and validate in a test environment. Monitor with Splunk Web UI.

32. Who creates Splunk dashboards?

DevOps engineers design dashboards with SPL queries, while SREs define key metrics. Collaboration ensures effective visualizations. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI for accuracy.

33. Which visualizations optimize dashboards?

• Use timecharts for trends.
• Configure tables for events.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure fast rendering.
• Enhance DevOps visuals.

Visualizations improve monitoring clarity.

34. How do you create a Splunk dashboard?

Create dashboards in Splunk Web UI under Dashboards > Create New. Add panels with SPL queries like index=main | timechart count and validate in a test environment for DevOps insights.

35. What causes dashboard rendering issues?

Rendering issues stem from complex SPL queries or large datasets. Optimize queries in Splunk Web UI and validate in a test environment to ensure fast loading and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

36. Why use dashboard drilldowns?

• Enable interactive data exploration.
• Configure in Dashboard > Drilldown.
• Link to detailed searches.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Enhance DevOps analysis.

Drilldowns improve dashboard interactivity.

37. When do you export dashboards?

Export dashboards as XML for backup or sharing before updates. Use Splunk Web UI or REST API and validate in a test environment to ensure integrity.

38. Where do you debug dashboard errors?

• Check SPL queries in Search tab.
• Inspect data source connectivity.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Fix query syntax.
• Ensure dashboard functionality.

Debugging ensures dashboard reliability.

39. Who validates dashboard accuracy?

DevOps engineers validate SPL queries, while SREs ensure metric alignment. Collaboration confirms data accuracy. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI for reliability.

40. Which metrics enhance dashboard visuals?

• Event counts for logs.
• Latency for app performance.
• Configure in Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Ensure clear visuals.
• Support DevOps monitoring.

Metrics improve dashboard insights.

Alerting

41. What is Splunk alerting?

• Triggers notifications for log events.
• Configures in Search > Alert.
• Integrates with Slack, email.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure timely DevOps alerts.

Alerting enables proactive issue detection.

42. Why configure Splunk alert rules?

Alert rules detect anomalies like high error rates using SPL queries. Configure in Splunk Web UI and validate in a test environment to ensure timely notifications and prevent DevOps outages.

43. When do you use alert throttling?

Use throttling to reduce notification noise during frequent events. Configure in Alert > Throttle and validate in a test environment to ensure accuracy.

44. Where do you manage alert rules?

• Access Search > Alert in Splunk UI.
• Configure via savedsearches.conf.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure rule accuracy.
• Track alert status.

Rules drive DevOps alerting.

45. Who configures Splunk alerts?

DevOps engineers set alert rules with SPL, while SREs define thresholds. Collaboration ensures effective alerting. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI for reliability.

46. Which tools integrate with Splunk alerting?

• Slack, PagerDuty for notifications.
• Configure in Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure delivery reliability.
• Support DevOps workflows.

Integrations enhance alert delivery.

47. How do you troubleshoot alert failures?

• Check SPL query syntax.
• Verify alert conditions in UI.
• Inspect notification settings.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Fix misconfigurations.

Failed alerts delay DevOps response.

48. What causes alerts not to trigger?

Incorrect SPL queries or data source issues prevent alerts. Check Search tab and validate in a test environment to ensure trigger accuracy and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

49. Why use alert actions in Splunk?

Alert actions automate responses like sending emails or running scripts. Configure in Splunk Web UI and validate in a test environment.

• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure automated responses.
• Enhance DevOps efficiency.
• Support incident handling.

Actions streamline DevOps alerting.

50. When do you test alert rules?

• Test before production deployment.
• Use Search > Test Alert.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure rule accuracy.
• Prevent false alerts.

Testing ensures reliable DevOps alerting.

51. Where do you monitor alert notifications?

Monitor notifications in Splunk Web UI’s Alert tab or Slack/PagerDuty. Validate in a test environment to ensure delivery and monitor with Splunk Web UI for reliability.

52. Who resolves alert misconfigurations?

DevOps engineers debug SPL queries, while SREs verify thresholds. Collaboration ensures quick resolution. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

53. Which steps optimize alert performance?

• Simplify SPL queries.
• Reduce evaluation frequency.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure notification reliability.
• Optimize rule efficiency.

Optimized alerts improve DevOps response.

Integrations

54. What are Splunk integrations?

• Connect Splunk to external tools.
• Support AWS, Kubernetes, Slack.
• Configure via Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure connectivity.

Integrations expand DevOps observability.

55. Why integrate Splunk with AWS?

Integrating with AWS collects CloudWatch logs and EKS metrics for observability. Configure via Splunk Add-on for AWS and validate in a test environment for DevOps insights.

56. When do you use Kubernetes integration?

• Monitor pods, nodes, logs.
• Deploy forwarders as DaemonSet.
• Configure via Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure cluster visibility.

Kubernetes integration tracks DevOps health.

57. Where do you configure integrations?

Configure integrations in Splunk Web UI under Apps > Find More Apps or inputs.conf. Validate in a test environment to ensure connectivity and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

58. Who manages Splunk integrations?

DevOps engineers set up integrations using Ansible, while admins configure credentials. Collaboration ensures reliable data flow. Validate in a test environment for DevOps monitoring.

59. Which integrations enhance DevOps?

• CloudWatch for AWS logs.
• Kubernetes for container metrics.
• Slack for alert notifications.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure data integration.

Integrations improve DevOps observability.

60. How do you troubleshoot integration errors?

Check integration settings in Splunk Web UI and verify credentials or URLs. Validate with test queries in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI to resolve connectivity issues.

61. What causes integration failures?

• Incorrect API keys or IAM roles.
• Check Splunk Web UI settings.
• Verify network connectivity.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Fix configuration errors.

Failures disrupt DevOps data collection.

62. Why use Splunk’s Slack integration?

Slack integration routes alerts to channels for rapid DevOps response. Configure in Splunk Web UI under Apps > Slack and validate in a test environment to ensure notification delivery.

63. When do you use PagerDuty integration?

• Use for critical incident notifications.
• Configure in Splunk Web UI.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure timely alerts.
• Support DevOps workflows.

PagerDuty enhances incident response.

64. Where do you store integration credentials?

Store credentials in Splunk Web UI’s secure fields or Kubernetes Secrets. Validate in a test environment to ensure security and monitor with Splunk Web UI for compliance.

65. Who resolves integration issues?

DevOps engineers debug connectivity, while admins verify credentials. Collaboration ensures reliable integrations. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI for resolution.

66. Which steps secure integrations?

• Use encrypted API keys.
• Configure IAM roles for AWS.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Restrict with RBAC.
• Ensure secure access.

Secure integrations prevent DevOps leaks.

Troubleshooting

67. What causes missing logs in Splunk?

• Misconfigured inputs.conf or forwarders.
• Check Splunk Web UI logs.
• Verify network connectivity.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Fix configuration errors.

Missing logs reduce DevOps observability.

68. Why do searches fail in Splunk?

Searches fail due to incorrect SPL syntax or indexer issues. Check Search tab and validate in a test environment to restore functionality and monitor with Splunk Web UI for accuracy.

69. When do you check Splunk logs?

• Check during search failures.
• Use index=_internal in Search tab.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Identify configuration errors.
• Ensure log collection.

Logs diagnose DevOps monitoring issues.

70. Where do you debug Splunk issues?

Debug issues in Splunk Web UI’s Search tab or with index=_internal queries. Validate in a test environment to ensure resolution and monitor with Splunk Web UI for stability.

71. Who troubleshoots Splunk issues?

DevOps engineers debug forwarders and searches, while SREs analyze performance impacts. Collaboration ensures quick resolution. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

72. Which tools help troubleshoot Splunk?

• Splunk Web UI for diagnostics.
• Kubectl for container logs.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure issue resolution.
• Support DevOps observability.

Tools streamline DevOps troubleshooting.

73. How do you fix indexing errors?

• Check indexes.conf for errors.
• Verify forwarder connectivity.
• Restart splunkd with ./splunk restart.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure indexing accuracy.

Errors disrupt DevOps observability.

74. What causes high Splunk CPU usage?

High CPU usage results from complex SPL queries or excessive indexing. Optimize queries in Splunk Web UI and validate in a test environment to reduce load and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

75. Why automate Splunk troubleshooting?

Automation with Ansible or Splunk’s REST API reduces manual debugging time. Configure automated checks for forwarder health. Validate in a test environment for reliability and monitor with Splunk Web UI.

76. When do you escalate Splunk issues?

• Escalate persistent indexer failures.
• Contact Splunk support if unresolved.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure quick resolution.
• Prevent DevOps outages.

Escalation avoids prolonged downtime.

77. Where do you monitor Splunk health?

Monitor health in Splunk Web UI’s Monitoring Console or with index=_internal queries. Validate in a test environment to ensure stability and monitor with Splunk Web UI for real-time status.

78. Who analyzes Splunk monitoring gaps?

DevOps engineers check forwarder configs, while SREs review log coverage. Collaboration ensures complete observability. Validate in a test environment and monitor with Splunk Web UI for insights.

79. Which steps resolve search delays?

• Optimize SPL query syntax.
• Reduce indexed data volume.
• Validate in test environment.
• Use Splunk Web UI.
• Ensure timely searches.
• Fix indexer issues.

Delays impact DevOps response.

80. How do you debug SPL query errors?

Check SPL syntax in Splunk Web UI’s Search tab and validate with test queries in a test environment. Monitor with Splunk Web UI to ensure query accuracy and resolve errors efficiently.