SPLK-1001 Using Fields and Lookups Practice Question
A Splunk admin wants to handle missing field values in a search. Which TWO SPL options can replace null values with a specified default? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Splunk often tests the distinction between commands that modify data (like `fillnull`) and functions that operate within `eval` (like `coalesce`), and the trap here is that candidates may incorrectly select `eval` alone or the non-existent `default` command, thinking they handle nulls without needing a specific function.
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
✓
coalesce
The `fillnull` command explicitly replaces null field values with a specified default string (or '0' if no default is given). The `coalesce` function, used within an `eval` command, returns the first non-null value from a list of fields or expressions, effectively replacing nulls with a fallback default. Both commands directly address missing field values by substituting a specified default.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
coalesce
Why this is correct
coalesce returns the first non-null value.
- ✗
eval
Why it's wrong here
eval alone does not replace nulls.
- ✗
convert
Why it's wrong here
convert is for data type conversion.
- ✓
fillnull
Why this is correct
fillnull replaces nulls with a specified value.
- ✗
default
Why it's wrong here
No such command.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official Splunk exam blueprint
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