Which component of Splunk is primarily responsible for indexing and searching data?

The indexer is the core component of Splunk that is primarily responsible for indexing and searching data. When data is ingested into Splunk, it goes through the indexing process, where the data is parsed, transformed, and stored in an optimized manner. This allows for quick retrieval and effective searching later.

The indexer creates and maintains various data structures that support efficient searching and allows for real-time data analysis. It handles the actual storage of the event data and its corresponding attributes, working in conjunction with search heads to respond to search requests from users.

In practice, when a user runs a search, it is the indexer that retrieves the relevant indexed data, applies the required filters, and sends the results back to the search head for presentation. This foundational role of the indexer is critical for ensuring that data can be indexed, searched, and analyzed effectively within Splunk's ecosystem.