Splunk Search

tr like command? Phone Numbers different format in 2 data sources and I want to Join them

rkirkw
Path Finder

Is there anything like the UNIX tr command in splunk?

In one data source I have phone numbers like (800) 555-4444 and in another data source the phone numbers are formatted like 800-555-4444. I would like to do a join between these two data sources on the phone number but cannot as they do not match.

It could look like this:
echo "(800) 555-4444" | tr -d "()" | tr " " -

outputs 800-555-4444

So other than using sed, awk or tr on the data before it gets to splunk can this be done on the fly?

Tags (3)

kristian_kolb
Ultra Champion

You could have a look at these section in the manual for making the changes before indexing

http://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/Splunk/5.0.1/Data/Anonymizedatausingconfigurationfiles

or you can do it at search time with combinations of eval and rex

http://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/Splunk/latest/SearchReference/Rex
http://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/Splunk/latest/SearchReference/Eval

Hope this helps,

Kristian

rkirkw
Path Finder

This worked well
| rex mode=sed "s/(/""/g" | rex mode=sed "s/ ) /"-"/g"
It converted (888) 555-4444 to 888-555-4444
Probably be faster in transforms.conf.
Now, does it really work for a join?

0 Karma

rkirkw
Path Finder

Thanks!
That helps. I am going to try something like this
| rex mode=sed "s/(/""/g" | rex mode=sed "s/) /"-"/g"
Will update here if it works!

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!

Your Path to AgenticOps: AI Experiences for Every Splunk Practitioner

Your Path to AgenticOps: AI Experiences for Every Splunk Practitioner   Watch on demand us for a demo-driven ...

The Data Connection - October 2026

We all have data. Lots of it. But that’s not the problem – it’s understanding what we should we do with it, ...

Beyond the Acceleration Zone: Maximizing Your Success with Splunk Customer Experience ...

Customer success is built on tailored guidance and accessible resources. As a Splunk user, you are encouraged ...