Splunk Search

Macro returns no result when applied

klausJohan
Path Finder

Hello,

Could someone explain what am I doing wrong in using a macro ?

Here is the macros.conf file

[GET_IP]
definition = 127.0.0.1

The search query I intend to use is :

source="mySource" AND object.ip_address='GET_IP'

However, if I paste the above query in the search bar I obtain no result . On the other hand if I do the same thing for the expanded query (source="mySource" AND object.ip_address=127.0.0.1) I get all the events back .

Tags (2)
0 Karma
1 Solution

alacercogitatus
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

You need to use backticks, not quotes, and probably make it eval macro.

macros.conf
[GET_IP]
definition = "\"127.0.0.1\""
iseval = true


source="mySource" object.ip_address=GET_IP

View solution in original post

alacercogitatus
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

You need to use backticks, not quotes, and probably make it eval macro.

macros.conf
[GET_IP]
definition = "\"127.0.0.1\""
iseval = true


source="mySource" object.ip_address=GET_IP

klausJohan
Path Finder

Thanks .Worked with : definition = "127.0.0.1"

0 Karma

alacercogitatus
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

try your initial definition.

0 Karma

klausJohan
Path Finder

Thanks. I'm still getting an error back . This time is "Error in 'SearchParser': The definition of macro 'GET_IP' is expected to be an eval expression that returns a string"

0 Karma

alacercogitatus
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

try this url: http://your_splunk:8000/en-US/debug/refresh/?entity=admin/macros and then try your search again.

0 Karma

klausJohan
Path Finder

The "backtip " opened my eyes about how to properly use a macro in a search. Now I obtain an error : Error in 'SearchParser': Could not find macro 'GET_IP' that takes 0 arguments. Expecting stanza name 'GET_IP'.

0 Karma
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!

May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions: Security & Observability

Level Up Your Operations: May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions Whether you are refining your security posture or ...

Network to App: Observability Unlocked [May & June Series]

In today’s digital landscape, your environment is no longer confined to the data center. It spans complex ...

SPL2 Deep Dives, AppDynamics Integrations, SAML Made Simple and Much More on Splunk ...

Splunk Lantern is Splunk’s customer success center that provides practical guidance from Splunk experts on key ...