Quick Answer
The answer is the number of distinct users per host. This is correct because the `stats dc()` function in Splunk calculates the distinct count of a field—in this case, `user`—and the `by host` clause groups that count for each unique host value. So `| stats dc(user) by host` returns one row per host showing how many unique users interacted with that host. On the SPLK-1002 exam, this tests your understanding of aggregation functions and the `by` clause, a core concept for the Splunk Core Certified User. A common trap is confusing `dc()` with `count()`: `count(user)` would count every occurrence, including duplicates, while `dc(user)` counts only unique values. Remember the mnemonic “dc = distinct count” to avoid that mistake.
This SPLK-1002 practice question tests your understanding of basic searching and transforming commands. 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 search includes the command '| stats dc(user) by host'. What does this command return?
The number of unique hosts per user
Why wrong: Grouped by host, not user.
The count of events per host
Why wrong: dc(user) is distinct count, not event count.
The sum of user values per host
Why wrong: Sum is not applicable to strings.
The number of distinct users per host
dc(user) counts distinct users.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The number of distinct users per host
The `dc(user)` function in the `stats` command calculates the distinct count of the `user` field values. When combined with `by host`, it returns the number of unique users for each host. This is why option D is correct.
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.
The number of unique hosts per user
Why it's wrong here
Grouped by host, not user.
The count of events per host
Why it's wrong here
dc(user) is distinct count, not event count.
The sum of user values per host
Why it's wrong here
Sum is not applicable to strings.
The number of distinct users per host
Why this is correct
dc(user) counts distinct users.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing `dc(user)` with `count(user)` or `sum(user)`, leading candidates to think it returns event counts or sums instead of distinct counts.
Detailed technical explanation
The `dc` function in Splunk is equivalent to `count distinct` in SQL, implemented via a hyperloglog algorithm for approximate distinct counting, which is memory-efficient for high-cardinality fields. In a real-world scenario, this command might be used to identify how many unique users accessed each server, helping detect shared accounts or anomalous access patterns.
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-1002 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
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FAQ
Basic Searching and Transforming Commands — This question tests Basic Searching and Transforming Commands — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The number of distinct users per host — The `dc(user)` function in the `stats` command calculates the distinct count of the `user` field values. When combined with `by host`, it returns the number of unique users for each host. This is why option D is correct.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SPLK-1002 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-1002 exam.
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