Which two wildcards are allowed in file pathnames in inputs.conf and what do they indicate?

The correct answer includes the use of ellipses (three periods) to signify the ability to recurse through directories and subdirectories within file pathnames in the inputs.conf configuration file. This is particularly useful for collecting logs or data that may be stored in varying subdirectory structures under a main directory. By specifying ellipses, the configuration effectively instructs Splunk to look deeper into the folder hierarchy, ensuring that relevant data is not missed in nested directories.

When properly leveraging this wildcard, administrators can efficiently organize their data collection processes, especially in scenarios where logs are distributed across multiple layers of directories. This capability simplifies the data ingestion process by eliminating the need for repetitive configuration adjustments for each subdirectory.

Understanding the implications of using this wildcard aids Splunk administrators in crafting efficient data inputs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of log files located at multiple directory levels.