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!

Application management with Targeted Application Install for Victoria Experience

  Experience a new era of flexibility in managing your Splunk Cloud Platform apps! With Targeted Application ...

Index This | What goes up and never comes down?

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

Splunkers, Pack Your Bags: Why Cisco Live EMEA is Your Next Big Destination

The Power of Two: Splunk + Cisco at "Ludicrous Scale"   You know Splunk. You know Cisco. But have you seen ...