What does “raw data modification” refer to in the context of indexed data?

Raw data modification in the context of indexed data refers to the process of editing the actual source data before it enters the index. This means making changes to the original data such as altering field values or correcting errors that exist within the data itself. Once data is indexed in Splunk, it creates immutable records; therefore, modifying raw data implies adjusting it prior to indexing.

In Splunk, once the data is indexed, one cannot make changes to that indexed data directly. This inherently makes the adjustment of source data crucial, as any modifications made upstream affect what ultimately gets indexed.

This leads to a better understanding of data integrity and the importance of ensuring that the data collected is accurate and meets the analytical needs before it is sent for indexing. Modifying source data ensures that the analytics performed using Splunk yield correct results based on accurate input information.