True or False: Forwarders always require an outputs.conf file.

Forwarders in Splunk are essential components used for collecting and routing data to indexers. The outputs.conf file plays a crucial role in the configuration of forwarders, as it specifies the destinations to which the forwarders send the data they collect.

When setting up a forwarder, whether it is a universal forwarder or a heavy forwarder, you need to configure the outputs.conf file to define where the collected data should be sent. This typically includes details like the indexer’s hostname or IP address and the port number that the indexers are listening on for incoming data.

Without an outputs.conf file, a forwarder would not have the necessary instructions to route the data correctly, rendering it ineffective for its purpose of forwarding logs and other data. Therefore, it is accurate to state that forwarders always require an outputs.conf file to function properly in a deployment.

While there may be exceptions in unique cases or advanced configurations, the fundamental requirement for forwarders in general usage is indeed the presence of an outputs.conf file.