Getting Data In

What is the difference between single-instance and multiple-instance modular inputs for REST API?

umairahmad3985
Path Finder

Hi Dear Splunkers,

I am trying to develop a Modular Input for our REST API which will ingest some data from our API through a python script implementation. The idea is simple. The modular input will poll our REST API after some interval, fetch the data, and index it into Splunk.

However, I am confused about the concept of single-instance and multiple-instance modular inputs. What I have understood is that single-instance modular inputs can be configured only once by the user and there is only one instance of the python script running at any point. Our API has the same type of data so there is no need for the user to configure multiple inputs otherwise, as the same data will be duplicated and indexed by Splunk which will be wasteful, I believe.

Can someone explain to me the major difference between both types in easy terms, and also suggest which type of modular input I should create for my use case?

Thanking you all for taking the time to read this.

Regards!

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!

Your Feedback. Our Roadmap. Visit the PX Feedback Booth at .conf26

You use Splunk every day, come and help shape what's next.  Save Your Seat: Product-Focused Sessions at ...

Agentic SOC Triage: Investigating Splunk ES Notables with MCP Server and a Local LLM

The Problem: Too Many Alerts, Too Little Context Security operations teams running Splunk Enterprise Security ...

Painting a Clearer Picture: Creating Cross-Domain Visibility with AI Canvas

Watch Now Painting a Clearer Picture: Creating Cross-Domain Visibility with AI Canvas     Do you ever feel ...