Getting Data In

Splunk indexing retention policy

SS1
Path Finder

hello Splunkers,

We have a index whose retention pol;icy is varying for the applications that are reporting to that index. For example, Application 1 we can see the logs from August and for application 2 we can see the logs from September, both applications are reporting to same index. I know we can set the retention policy per index. Is there any setting that we are missing here?

Labels (3)
0 Karma

SS1
Path Finder

by app i meant a java application not the splunk app

0 Karma

SS1
Path Finder

Does both application get archived in different buckets? and the retention policy apply differently to different buckets?

0 Karma

SS1
Path Finder

Hi,

Both the applications are indexing into only 1 index, they don't index to any other indexer. and we dont use seperate index.conf for applications

0 Karma

richgalloway
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

Different apps can set the various values for each index however they choose.  Those settings are merged with the final value dependent on the names of the defining apps.  That's why it's important for the Splunk admin to reconcile each app's settings to something that makes sense for the local environment.  Apps are discouraged from shipping an indexes.conf file that contains enabled indexes for the same reason.

That said, if both indexes are truly writing to the same index then they should be seeing the same data.  That they are not seeing the same data tells me something is different between the apps.  Use btool to see if you can identify the difference(s).

splunk btool --debug indexes list -app=Application1 > app1.txt
splunk btool --debug indexes list -app=Application2 > app2.txt
diff app1.txt app2.txt
---
If this reply helps you, Karma would be appreciated.
0 Karma
Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Data Management Digest – June 2026

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of Data Management Digest! This month’s update is short and sweet, with a ...

Think Like an Architect: Introducing the Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense ...

In cybersecurity, defenders respond to threats. Architects design the systems that stop them.    As ...

Index This | What has goals but no motivation?

June 2026 Edition  Hayyy Splunk Education Enthusiasts and the Eternally Curious!   We’re back with this ...