Quick Answer
The answer is `| table *`. This command is the correct choice because the asterisk wildcard dynamically displays all fields in each event, including those not automatically extracted by Splunk’s default field extraction process. Unlike `| fields *`, which only retains fields already known to the index, `| table *` forces Splunk to render every field present in the raw event data, making it essential when you need to inspect unexpected or custom-parsed fields. On the SPLK-1002 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Splunk handles field visibility versus field retention—a common trap is confusing `fields` (which filters existing fields) with `table` (which can introduce new fields from the raw event). A reliable memory tip: think of `table *` as “show me everything on the table,” while `fields *` only “keeps what’s already on the menu.”
This SPLK-1002 practice question tests your understanding of using fields and lookups. 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 wants to see the values of all fields in an event, including fields that are not automatically extracted. Which search command should be used?
`| rex`
Why wrong: Extracts fields via regex.
`| fields *`
Why wrong: Retains fields but does not show values.
`| spath`
Why wrong: Extracts fields from structured data.
`| table *`
Lists all fields and 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
`| table *`
The `| table *` command displays all fields in each event, including those not automatically extracted, by listing every field in a tabular format. This is because the asterisk wildcard in `table` includes all fields present in the search results, regardless of whether they are extracted by default or through custom parsing. In contrast, `| fields *` only retains fields that are already known to the search index, not necessarily showing all raw event data.
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.
`| rex`
Why it's wrong here
Extracts fields via regex.
`| fields *`
Why it's wrong here
Retains fields but does not show values.
`| spath`
Why it's wrong here
Extracts fields from structured data.
`| table *`
Why this is correct
Lists all fields and values.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Splunk often tests the misconception that `| fields *` shows all fields, but it actually restricts output to only extracted fields, whereas `| table *` includes all fields including those from raw event data.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Retains fields but does not show values.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `| table *` forces Splunk to materialize all field-value pairs for each event, including those from field extractions, lookups, or calculated fields, and presents them in a columnar view. A subtle behavior is that `| table *` can be resource-intensive on large datasets because it must enumerate every field for every event, potentially causing memory issues. In real-world scenarios, this command is useful for debugging or exploring unknown data structures, such as when ingesting logs from a new source with dynamic field names.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Using Fields and Lookups — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Using Fields and Lookups — This question tests Using Fields and Lookups — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: `| table *` — The `| table *` command displays all fields in each event, including those not automatically extracted, by listing every field in a tabular format. This is because the asterisk wildcard in `table` includes all fields present in the search results, regardless of whether they are extracted by default or through custom parsing. In contrast, `| fields *` only retains fields that are already known to the search index, not necessarily showing all raw event data.
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 30, 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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