What is the primary function of the outputs.conf file on a forwarder?

The outputs.conf file plays a crucial role in configuring how a Splunk forwarder handles data forwarding. Its primary function is to specify the destinations to which the forwarder will send the collected data, whether that be to a Splunk indexer, another forwarder, or a saved search. This configuration allows administrators to define various forwarding parameters such as the destination host IP, port number, and the type of connection (e.g., TCP or UDP) used for data transmission.

This functionality is key for ensuring that the data collected by the forwarder is correctly transmitted to the appropriate systems for indexing and analysis within the Splunk environment. Properly configuring the outputs.conf file is essential for ensuring data integrity and secure transmission in a distributed architecture.