What does the process of "Input" involve in data ingestion?

The process of "Input" in data ingestion refers to the phase where data sources are accessed to collect and ingest data into the Splunk platform. This step involves connecting to various data sources, such as log files, databases, APIs, or network streams, and retrieving the data for processing.

When data sources are opened and read, this allows Splunk to bring in the necessary information for analysis. This initial interaction with the data source is critical, as it sets the stage for subsequent steps in the ingestion process, such as breaking the data into events or processing data, which occur after the input stage.

This focus on opening and reading the data sources is what distinguishes the input process from other processes in data ingestion, which involve data manipulation or storage. Understanding this foundational step is essential for effectively managing data ingestion in Splunk.