What type of files should not be edited directly in Splunk?

When working with Splunk, it is important to understand the implications of editing configuration files directly. Default configuration files are files provided by Splunk that define the base settings for how the system operates. These files are crucial to the functioning of Splunk, and modifications made directly to them can lead to unexpected behavior, system instability, and can even overwrite future updates made by Splunk.

Instead of editing these default files, best practices recommend creating custom configuration files with overrides. This allows administrators to maintain the integrity of the default configurations while applying necessary adjustments without impacting the underlying system architecture. This practice not only ensures smoother updates but also aids in troubleshooting and clarity of settings.

In contrast, custom configuration files, executable files, and log files may be managed or edited under certain guidelines — custom configurations to personalize the setup, executable files as needed for executing commands, and log files for monitoring and troubleshooting. Such practices allow for seamless management and maintenance of a Splunk environment.