Splunk Dev

Why does fillnull command have two type processing? (distributable streaming command/dataset processing)

munang
Path Finder

Splunk documentation said


"fillnull command is a distributable streaming command when a field-list is specified. When no field-list is specified, the fillnull command fits into the dataset processing type"

 

I wonder why it works as dataset processing if no fields are specified. The results are all the same anyway, but there must be a reason.

Thanks for letting us know.

0 Karma

munang
Path Finder

Thank you!!

0 Karma

richgalloway
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

When a field name is specified, it's easy for an indexer to see that the field has no value and substitute the fill value.  Without a field name specified, it has to know the full set of fields to know which have null values.  That's not a distributable function.

---
If this reply helps you, Karma would be appreciated.
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!

(re)Introducing the Splunk Community Champions + 2026 – 2027 Splunk MVPs ...

This program exists as a channel to empower and recognize Splunk advocates and help supercharge initiatives to ...

Introducing the 2026 - 2027 SplunkTrust cohort!

The goal of the SplunkTrust™ membership has historically been to acknowledge and recognize those who go above ...

Pro Tips for .conf26: How to Prep Like a Splunk Veteran

There’s no shortage of incredible content lined up for .conf26 in Denver, from deep-dive technical sessions ...