- A
status != 200
In SPL, spaces around the `!=` operator are allowed; `status != 200` correctly filters events where status does not equal 200.
- B
NOT status=200
The `NOT` keyword negates the condition `status=200`, so `NOT status=200` correctly returns events where status is not 200.
- C
status!=200
The standard syntax `status!=200` without spaces is also correct and is the most concise way to express inequality.
- D
status -neq 200
Why wrong: The operator `-neq` is not valid in SPL; searches using it will not produce the expected results.
Question 97 of 520
Inequality Operator in Splunk
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. A key principle to apply: inequality operator (!=). 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.
An analyst wants to find all events where the field 'status' is not 200. Which search is correct?
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
✓
status != 200
All three options A, B, and C are valid searches to find events where the status field is not 200. In SPL, the `!=` operator can be written with or without spaces (options A and C), and the `NOT` keyword can be used to negate a condition (option B). Option D uses an invalid operator `-neq`, which is not recognized in Splunk SPL.
Key principle: Inequality operator (!=)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
status != 200
Why this is correct
In SPL, spaces around the `!=` operator are allowed; `status != 200` correctly filters events where status does not equal 200.
Related concept
Inequality operator (!=)
- ✓
NOT status=200
Why this is correct
The `NOT` keyword negates the condition `status=200`, so `NOT status=200` correctly returns events where status is not 200.
Related concept
Inequality operator (!=)
- ✓
status!=200
Why this is correct
The standard syntax `status!=200` without spaces is also correct and is the most concise way to express inequality.
Related concept
Inequality operator (!=)
- ✗
status -neq 200
Why it's wrong here
The operator `-neq` is not valid in SPL; searches using it will not produce the expected results.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may think that only one form (e.g., `status!=200` without spaces) is correct, but both `status != 200` with spaces and `NOT status=200` are also valid. The key is to recognize that multiple SPL syntaxes can achieve the same result.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In SPL, the `!=` operator is a direct field-value comparison that is evaluated at search time, and it is part of the search-time field extraction and comparison mechanism. Unlike some other query languages, SPL does not support a `-neq` operator, and spaces around operators like `!=` can change the parsing context, leading to unintended string comparisons. This distinction is critical when building complex searches with multiple conditions, as incorrect spacing can cause the search to return unexpected results or no results at all.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Inequality operator (!=)
- NOT keyword
- Field-value comparison syntax
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Inequality operator (!=)
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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. Inequality operator (!=) 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.
Review inequality operator (!=), then practise related SPLK-1002 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Basic Searching and Transforming Commands — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SPLK-1002 question test?
Basic Searching and Transforming Commands — This question tests Basic Searching and Transforming Commands — Inequality operator (!=).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: status != 200 — All three options A, B, and C are valid searches to find events where the status field is not 200. In SPL, the `!=` operator can be written with or without spaces (options A and C), and the `NOT` keyword can be used to negate a condition (option B). Option D uses an invalid operator `-neq`, which is not recognized in Splunk SPL.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1002 question wrong?
Review inequality operator (!=), then practise related SPLK-1002 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Inequality operator (!=)
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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