Splunk Search Processing Language (SPL) is the foundation of how data is explored in Splunk. It allows users to search, filter, transform, and analyze machine data at scale. Because of this flexibility, SPL has become essential for operational visibility and security analytics.
However, raw event searches can become complex and inefficient over time. For that reason, Splunk introduced data models and the datamodel command. This command enables structured access to normalized data. As a result, searches become faster, clearer, and easier to maintain.
In practice, the datamodel command is commonly used in dashboards, reports, and correlation searches. It is especially important in environments that rely on the Splunk Common Information Model (CIM). Therefore, understanding this command improves both performance and consistency.
Understanding the datamodel Command
The datamodel command retrieves data from an accelerated or non-accelerated data model. It does not search raw indexes directly. Instead, it operates on datasets defined within a data model object.
Each data model contains one or more datasets. These datasets may represent events, transactions, or searches. Because of this structure, fields are already mapped and normalized.
Additionally, the command works closely with data model acceleration. When acceleration is enabled, precomputed summaries are used. As a result, searches often run significantly faster than index-based queries.
It is important to understand that the datamodel command will not function if data models are not properly set up. Ensuring CIM (Common Information Model) compliance in Splunk is the best way to jump start your data model usage in the Splunk platform.
Benefits of the datamodel Command
Using the datamodel command provides several practical advantages.
- Improved performance
Accelerated data models reduce search time by leveraging summarized data.
- Consistent field naming
CIM alignment ensures fields are standardized across different data sources.
- Simplified SPL
Complex index and sourcetype logic is abstracted into the data model.
Because of these benefits, the command is widely used in security and IT operations.
Basic Syntax
The basic syntax of the command is straightforward. However, it is important to understand each component.
| datamodel <Data_Model_Name> <Dataset_Name> search
The data model name identifies the container. The dataset name specifies which object within the model is queried. Finally, the search keyword allows additional filtering. In many cases, the command is paired with transforming commands. For example, stats and tstats are commonly used downstream. This combination enables efficient aggregation.
Usage Examples & Practical Applications
Example #1: Authentication Activity Overview
This example retrieves authentication events using the CIM Authentication data model. It is useful for understanding login trends across systems.
| datamodel Authentication Authentication search
| stats count by user, action
Here, normalized fields such as user and action are already available. Therefore, no field extractions are required.
Example #2: Network Traffic by Destination Port
This use case analyzes network traffic volume by destination port. It supports basic network monitoring and threat hunting.
| datamodel Network_Traffic All_Traffic search
| stats sum(bytes) by dest_port
Because CIM normalization is applied, bytes and dest_port remain consistent. As a result, cross-vendor comparisons become easier.
Example #3: Malware Detection Summary
This example summarizes malware-related events. It is commonly used in security dashboards.
| datamodel Malware Malware search
| stats count by signature, severity
In this case, the data model simplifies access to security-relevant fields. Consequently, dashboards remain readable and performant.
Conclusion
The datamodel command plays a critical role in scalable Splunk deployments. It bridges raw data and structured analytics. More importantly, it enables consistent, high-performance searches.
- Data models provide normalized and reusable datasets
- The datamodel command simplifies and accelerates SPL
- CIM-aligned searches improve clarity and maintainability
To access more Splunk searches, check out Atlas Search Library, which is part of the Atlas Platform. Specifically, Atlas Search Library offers a curated list of optimized searches. These searches empower Splunk users without requiring SPL knowledge. Furthermore, you can create, customize, and maintain your own search library. By doing so, you ensure your users get the most from using Splunk.
