Quick Answer
The correct answer is the macro definition `| stats dc(src_ip) as unique_ips`. This works because `dc` stands for "distinct count" in Splunk, and when used within the `stats` command, it calculates the number of unique values in the specified field—exactly what is needed to count unique IP addresses per source. On the Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 exam, this question tests your understanding of the `stats` command’s aggregation functions, particularly `dc`, which is a common alternative to `count` when deduplication is required. A frequent trap is confusing `dc` with `count` or `count(eval(...))`, but remember that `dc` inherently removes duplicates before counting. For a quick memory tip: think of "dc" as "distinct count" or "deduplicate and count"—it’s the go-to function whenever you need to tally unique items, such as unique IPs per source in a security context.
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of macros, saved searches and cim. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security analyst wants to create a macro that extracts IP addresses from a field named `src_ip` and returns a count of unique IPs per source. Which macro definition accomplishes this?
| stats count(src_ip) as unique_ips
Why wrong: `count` counts all events, not unique IPs.
| stats distinct_count(src_ip) as unique_ips
Why wrong: `distinct_count` is not a valid Splunk function.
| stats unique(src_ip) as unique_ips
Why wrong: `unique` is not a stats function.
| stats dc(src_ip) as unique_ips
`dc` (distinct count) counts unique values.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
| stats dc(src_ip) as unique_ips
Option D is correct because `dc(src_ip)` is the Splunk command for distinct count, which returns the number of unique IP addresses in the `src_ip` field. This macro definition directly fulfills the requirement to count unique IPs per source, as `dc` is the standard abbreviation for distinct count in Splunk's `stats` command.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
| stats count(src_ip) as unique_ips
Why it's wrong here
`count` counts all events, not unique IPs.
| stats distinct_count(src_ip) as unique_ips
Why it's wrong here
`distinct_count` is not a valid Splunk function.
| stats unique(src_ip) as unique_ips
Why it's wrong here
`unique` is not a stats function.
| stats dc(src_ip) as unique_ips
Why this is correct
`dc` (distinct count) counts unique values.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Splunk often tests the distinction between `count` and `dc` (distinct_count), where candidates mistakenly choose `count` or invalid commands like `distinct_count` or `unique`, not knowing that `dc` is the correct and only valid syntax for distinct count in Splunk's `stats` command.
Detailed technical explanation
The `dc` (distinct_count) function in Splunk's `stats` command uses a hash-based algorithm to efficiently count unique values in a field, making it suitable for large datasets like IP addresses. In real-world scenarios, using `dc(src_ip)` is critical for security analytics to identify the number of distinct source IPs in logs, avoiding inflated counts from repeated connections. Under the hood, Splunk's `dc` function leverages memory-optimized data structures to handle high-cardinality fields without performance degradation.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the SPLK-1003 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Macros, Saved Searches and CIM practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SPLK-1003 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SPLK-1003 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Advanced Searching and Statistics.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Macros, Saved Searches and CIM.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Advanced Visualization and Lookups.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Transactions and Event Correlation.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to SPLK-1003 fundamentals.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to SPLK-1003 scenario.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to SPLK-1003 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — This question tests Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: | stats dc(src_ip) as unique_ips — Option D is correct because `dc(src_ip)` is the Splunk command for distinct count, which returns the number of unique IP addresses in the `src_ip` field. This macro definition directly fulfills the requirement to count unique IPs per source, as `dc` is the standard abbreviation for distinct count in Splunk's `stats` command.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SPLK-1003 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Splunk 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 SPLK-1003 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.