XSIAM-Analyst Data Analysis With XQL Practice Question
When working with JSON-formatted log data stored inside a text field in XQL, how can an analyst access a specific nested key named 'user_id'?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
alter extracted_id = json_extract_scalar(raw_json_field, "$.user_id")
XQL supports dot notation or json extraction functions like json_extract() to query nested JSON structures.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
alter extracted_id = read_json(raw_json_field, 'user_id')
Why it's wrong here
read_json is not a valid XQL function.
- ✗
parse raw_json_field json to user_id
Why it's wrong here
This is not valid XQL syntax for JSON parsing.
- ✓
alter extracted_id = json_extract_scalar(raw_json_field, "$.user_id")
Why this is correct
json_extract_scalar extracts scalar values from JSON strings using JSONPath syntax.
- ✗
alter extracted_id = raw_json_field.user_id
Why it's wrong here
Direct dot notation fails if the field is stored purely as a string rather than parsed JSON object.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This XSIAM-Analyst practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the XSIAM-Analyst exam.