Splunk Search

Environment variable used in search

fresned
Path Finder

How do you set up an Environment variable to be used as part of the path for your data?
I set an environment variable on the system and when I try and use the environment variable I receive an error. The error is :Encountered the following error while trying to save :in handler: machine name: Parameter name : Path must be absolute. The default datasources splunk uses have a set Environment variable as part of there location: $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/splunk.version. Any assistance would be great.

Tags (2)

fresned
Path Finder

Yes where and how is $SPLUNK_HOME defined. I'm trying to define a value $FOO. in the bash shell i have defined export FOO='/opt/test/test1/' I can echo $FOO and get /opt/test/test1/. but splunk returns the error in handler: machine name: Parameter name : Path must be absolute

0 Karma

mw
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

Try setting your variable in $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/splunk-launch.conf and restarting. That may do it.

mw
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

Do you mean within the context of an input?

# inputs.conf
[monitor://$SPLUNK_HOME/etc/apps/cisco/logs/cisco_firewall.log]
0 Karma
Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Index This | Why did the turkey cross the road?

November 2025 Edition  Hayyy Splunk Education Enthusiasts and the Eternally Curious!   We’re back with this ...

Enter the Agentic Era with Splunk AI Assistant for SPL 1.4

  🚀 Your data just got a serious AI upgrade — are you ready? Say hello to the Agentic Era with the ...

Feel the Splunk Love: Real Stories from Real Customers

Hello Splunk Community,    What’s the best part of hearing how our customers use Splunk? Easy: the positive ...