What Does the Splunk | makeresults Command Generate?

SPLK-1004 By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

A A timestamp

Question

What does the query | makeresults generate?
  1. A timestamp Correct Answer
  2. A results field
  3. An error message
  4. The results of the previously run search

Key Takeaways

This question tests whether you understand that makeresults creates an in-memory event with a _time field, not a generic 'results' field, and that it must be the first command in a search.

The Splunk makeresults command generates a single search result in memory containing only the _time field, set to the current timestamp. Community consensus confirms it is used for creating synthetic events for testing searches and alerts.

Common mistake: Option B ('A results field') is the most common wrong answer because the command is named 'makeresults' and 'results' is a conceptual term, but the actual field generated is _time, not a field called 'results'.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

The makeresults command creates one or more search results in memory, each containing only the _time field set to the current time. This is explicitly confirmed by the official Splunk documentation and community comments, which state that | makeresults alone generates only _time. The purpose is to create a synthetic event for testing searches, alerts, or other logic without needing an actual indexed event.

The command is typically used as the first command in a search pipeline, and you can add additional fields using eval or other commands. This aligns with the intended use case described in the comments: creating an event with a timestamp for testing alert conditions.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option B (A results field) is incorrect because the command does not generate a field named results; it generates a result/event with a _time field. The naming of the command refers to 'makeresults' as in creating search results, not a field name.

Option C (An error message) is incorrect because makeresults is a valid command that succeeds and returns a synthetic event, not an error, unless used incorrectly (e.g., not as the first command).

Option D (The results of the previously run search) is incorrect because makeresults does not access or reuse prior search results; it creates new, empty results in memory. The generated result is independent of any previous search.

Community Comment Notes

Commenter [1] emphasizes that makeresults generates a specified number of search results in temporary memory, with a single field _time. Commenter [2] directly provides the official documentation link and confirms the _time field is set to current time. Commenter [3] succinctly notes that | makeresults alone generates only _time. Commenter [4] adds practical detail: it generates a single event in memory with only _time and must be the first command, which is a common trap in exam questions.

Official Reference

https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/Splunk/latest/SearchReference/Makeresults

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

Remember that makeresults is a 'generator' command that creates in-memory events—not a modifying command—and it always produces a _time field unless you explicitly change it. When answering similar questions, focus on the exact field(s) generated rather than the command's name or conceptual output.

Community Votes

A
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 4 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 4

  1. Eddie_exam 👍 2
    It generates the specified number of search results in temporary memory. With a single field, _time.
  2. emlch 👍 1 Answered A
    Makeresults generates a timestamp so you can create an event with that timestamp, mainly for purposes (i.e. testing an alert). Generates a single event in memory with only the _time field. You can add event fields using eval. Must be the first command in search succeeding a pipe
  3. ykamalharsha 👍 1 Answered A
    The makeresults command generates a result with the _time field set to the current time. https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/Splunk/latest/SearchReference/Makeresults
  4. Vidomina 👍 1 Answered A
    | makeresults alone generates "_time" only

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