Splunk Fundamentals 1 Practice Exam

What is the result of using the OUTPUTNEW clause in a lookup?

1. It replaces all fields

2. It keeps both old and new fields

3. It only adds new fields

4. It deletes existing fields

The correct answer is: It keeps both old and new fields

Using the OUTPUTNEW clause in a lookup allows you to keep both the original fields and the new fields being added through the lookup process. This means that if there are existing fields with the same name in the incoming data, the OUTPUTNEW clause will append the new fields to the dataset without overwriting the old ones. As a result, you end up with both the pre-existing fields and the additional fields provided by the lookup, thus giving you the opportunity to retain and utilize the original data alongside the additional information. This functionality is particularly useful for preserving context and ensuring all relevant data remains accessible for analysis, which enhances the overall data richness and detail in your searches and dashboards.