Splunk Search

Can I define fields like in AWK, basically define extract field without using regex.

clyde772
Communicator

Let's say we want to process the typical data input like below :

12|Jones Indiana|76|223-33-3323|US|CALIFORNIA|MARRIED

In splunk, I have to use "rex" and do a whole bunch of regex to parse out the fields. Is there a way in Splunk to process these kind of structured log like in awk manner?

awk manner, meaning

awk -F"|" '{print $1" "$2" "$3}'  and so on...

In another words define pattern for delimiter which is "|" and just assign values with field number like $1, $2

I thought powerful engine like splunk would have a similar way to process. Field parsing without doing while bunch of regex.

YhC.

Tags (1)
0 Karma

gkanapathy
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

This has very little to do with power, and more to do with clarity. While it's undoubtedly convenient to be able to throw down one-line expressions, the intention with Splunk is usually to define and name fields meaningfully for shared and long-term re-use.

0 Karma

Dan
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

You could also use the | extract command at search time. It takes a delims parameter.

gkanapathy
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

This is sometimes useful, but the extract command's delims is actually a pair pairdelim and kvdelim which are both required. Splunk doesn't generate sequential names like this.

0 Karma

Simeon
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

You can use the DELIMS parameter to extract fields in that manner. For example, we use the following for csv files:

[extract_csv]
DELIMS = ","
FIELDS = "field1", "field2", "field3"

To correctly extract the fields in this manner, you should review the following page which details how to configure complex extractions through configuration files:

http://www.splunk.com/base/Documentation/latest/Knowledge/Createandmaintainsearch-timefieldextractio...

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!

Why Splunk Customers Should Attend Cisco Live 2026 Las Vegas

Why Splunk Customers Should Attend Cisco Live 2026 Las Vegas     Cisco Live 2026 is almost here, and this ...

What Is the Name of the USB Key Inserted by Bob Smith? (BOTS Hint, Not the Answer)

Hello Splunkers,   So you searched, “what is the name of the usb key inserted by bob smith?”  Not gonna lie… ...

Automating Threat Operations and Threat Hunting with Recorded Future

    Automating Threat Operations and Threat Hunting with Recorded Future June 29, 2026 | Register   Is your ...