What is a 'saved search' in Splunk?

A saved search in Splunk refers to a predefined search query that can be executed at a later time. This feature allows users to run complex searches without needing to re-enter the entire query, making it a time-saving tool for individuals who frequently analyze or report on specific data sets. Saved searches can also be configured to run on a schedule, and their results can be used for creating reports and alerts.

When a saved search is created, it can include various parameters such as search time, sharing permissions, and how results should be displayed. This functionality enhances the efficiency of data retrieval and analysis, allowing users to focus on interpreting the results rather than recreating search queries each time data needs to be analyzed.

In contrast, while reports and alerts are related concepts within Splunk, they serve different purposes. A report is typically a formatted output generated from a search, while an alert is a notification system that triggers based on certain predefined conditions or results from a search. A log file containing historical search data, on the other hand, refers to the data itself rather than the mechanism for retrieving and processing that data through queries.