field::value vs field=value when doing search

[htidore]

I have a UF, Indexer, Search Head. My UF accepts UDP packets. I created a field in the UF so that I can identify that the packet go through this particular UF:

_meta = env=env1

I performed two searches:

env=env1
env::env1

The result is different.

What is the difference between field::value and field=value when we do search?
Thanks.

[knielsen]

If you had the meta field configured correctly on your search head, you should not see a difference.

:: is forcing to treat it as an indexed field, regardless of setting it up correctly in fields.conf. Btw, the syntax in your inputs.conf should also use :: instead of =, but maybe both is possible.

Have a look at this discussion: https://answers.splunk.com/answers/389567/why-is-a-search-for-fields-added-with-meta-in-inpu.html which I found when I was having issues with :: vs =.

Hth,
Kai.