The answer is to use `| tstats dc(src_ip) where index=* earliest=-1h by sourcetype` because tstats queries pre-built summary statistics from indexed fields in a data model, bypassing the need to scan raw event data entirely. This is the most effective optimization for Splunk search performance when you need fast aggregations like distinct counts, as the original stats command forces Splunk to decompress and read every raw event, which is why it took two minutes. On the Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 exam, this question tests your understanding of how tstats accelerates searches on accelerated data models, a key concept for optimizing search performance. A common trap is assuming nested stats or other transformations will speed things up, but they still operate on raw data. Remember the memory tip: “tstats is the shortcut—it reads the index’s summary, not the raw story.”
SPLK-1003 Advanced Searching and Statistics Practice Question
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of advanced searching and statistics. 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 user needs a report showing the number of distinct source IPs per sourcetype over the last hour. They run: `index=* earliest=-1h | stats dc(src_ip) by sourcetype`. The search runs slowly (2 minutes) and they want to speed it up. Which optimization is most effective?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use `| tstats dc(src_ip) where index=* earliest=-1h by sourcetype`.
tstats on an accelerated data model is much faster than scanning raw data. Option B uses nested stats which still scans raw data. Option C does not produce the desired result. Option D gives top sourcetypes, not distinct IPs.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use `| top limit=100 sourcetype` to get top sourcetypes.
Why it's wrong here
This gives only top sourcetypes by count, not distinct IPs.
✗
Use `| stats count by sourcetype, src_ip | stats count by sourcetype`.
Why it's wrong here
First stats counts events per pair, second counts pairs, not distinct IPs.
✗
Use `| chart count over sourcetype by src_ip`.
Why it's wrong here
This produces a matrix, not distinct counts.
✓
Use `| tstats dc(src_ip) where index=* earliest=-1h by sourcetype`.
Why this is correct
tstats leverages summary data for faster retrieval.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Advanced Searching and Statistics — This question tests Advanced Searching and Statistics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use `| tstats dc(src_ip) where index=* earliest=-1h by sourcetype`. — tstats on an accelerated data model is much faster than scanning raw data. Option B uses nested stats which still scans raw data. Option C does not produce the desired result. Option D gives top sourcetypes, not distinct IPs.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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