Data that has multiple values in a single field can be difficult to view in a report. Using the mvjoin command from Splunk’s Search Processing Language (SPL) offers several functions that can make this data more readable.
What is the Splunk mvjoin Function?
mvjoin (remember: mv means “Multi Value”) allows the Splunk user to collate data onto a single line and separate the data by a delimiter. The delimiter can be any character including spaces.
The Benefits of Splunk mvjoin
The figure below shows the output from a “|stats values” command/function when using the mvjoin command. This tends to be a little confusing to interpret. Utilizing mvjoin can make multivalue outputs more readable.
The syntax for mvjoin via “| eval” (for this example)
| eval <new field name>=mvjoin(fieldname,”delimiter”)
In the figure below, spaces between the values, in the field “Value_Field” are being utilized.
<search>
| stats values(Value) AS Values BY host
| eval Value_Field=mvjoin(Values,” “)
In the next example, a forward slash along with spaces demonstrates another option. Any character, or combination of characters can be used as a delimiter.
<search>
| stats values(Value) AS Values BY host
| eval Value_Field=mvjoin(Values,” / “)
Conclusion
Presenting data in a highly readable form is a goal that all Splunkers should strive for. Stakeholders appreciate knowledge objects that are concise and interpreted easily. The mvjoin function is a tool that easily accomplishes this. Below are three helpful points to consider to use the mvjoin command.
Enhanced Data Readability: The mvjoin command in Splunk’s Search Processing Language (SPL) offers a solution for presenting data with multiple values in a single field in a more readable format. By collating data onto a single line and separating it by a delimiter, mvjoin improves the interpretability of multivalue outputs.
Customizable Delimiters: One of the key advantages of using mvjoin is its flexibility in defining delimiters. Users can choose any character, including spaces or combinations of characters, to separate values in the output. This customization capability allows for tailored presentation of data based on specific preferences or requirements.
Improved Stakeholder Engagement: Presenting data in a highly readable format is essential for effective communication and stakeholder engagement. By utilizing mvjoin to create concise and easily interpreted knowledge objects, Splunk users can enhance collaboration, streamline decision-making processes, and ensure that insights derived from Splunk are effectively communicated and understood by stakeholders.
