Quick Answer
The answer is the 5 most common URI values. This is correct because the `top` command in SPL identifies the most frequently occurring values of a specified field, sorting them from highest to lowest count. By default, `top` returns 10 results, but adding the `limit=5` parameter overrides that default, restricting the output to only the top 5 values. On the Splunk SPLK-1002 exam, this tests your understanding of how the `top` command with a limit parameter modifies result sets, a common task for summarizing field distributions. A frequent trap is forgetting that `top` always sorts by count descending, so the limit simply trims the list rather than changing the order. To remember, think of `top` as a popularity contest: it always shows the winners, and `limit` tells it how many winners to announce.
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.
Refer to the exhibit. index=web sourcetype=access_combined | top 5 uri
Refer to the exhibit. What will this search return?
Refer to the exhibit. index=web sourcetype=access_combined | top 5 uri
A time chart of URI counts
Why wrong: No timechart.
A statistical summary of URI lengths
Why wrong: No stats command.
The 5 most common URI values
top 5 limits to top 5.
A list of all URI values
Why wrong: Top shows only the most common.
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 5 most common URI values
The `top` command in SPL returns the most common values of a field, sorted by count in descending order, limited by default to 10 results. Since the search specifies `limit=5`, it returns the 5 most frequent URI values, making option C 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.
A time chart of URI counts
Why it's wrong here
No timechart.
A statistical summary of URI lengths
Why it's wrong here
No stats command.
The 5 most common URI values
Why this is correct
top 5 limits to top 5.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
A list of all URI values
Why it's wrong here
Top shows only the most common.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `top` with `timechart` or `stats`, expecting a time-series or statistical summary instead of a simple frequency count of field values.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No stats command.
Detailed technical explanation
The `top` command internally performs a `stats count by field` followed by a `sort -count` and then applies the `limit` parameter to truncate results. This is efficient for identifying high-cardinality field values but does not support time-based aggregation unless combined with `timechart` or `bucket`. In real-world scenarios, `top` is often used to quickly identify the most accessed endpoints or error codes in web logs.
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
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: The 5 most common URI values — The `top` command in SPL returns the most common values of a field, sorted by count in descending order, limited by default to 10 results. Since the search specifies `limit=5`, it returns the 5 most frequent URI values, making option C 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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