Which search term inclusion is better according to search best practices in Splunk?

In Splunk, the use of the inclusion operator "=" is better in accordance with search best practices because it explicitly seeks to include data that matches a specified value. This is beneficial for focused searches, as it enables analysts to narrow down results to those that are relevant to the investigation. Using inclusion allows analysts to concentrate on specific events or entries that have particular characteristics, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the analysis.

When utilizing the inclusion operator, you ensure that the query retrieves records that match certain conditions, allowing for a more straightforward and meaningful dataset to work with. This approach enhances clarity and makes the search results easier to interpret, facilitating better decision-making based on the data gathered.

In contrast, other options, such as exclusions, are applied when it is necessary to filter out undesired results. While this can be useful in specific contexts, focusing on inclusion is often preferred for the clarity and directness it brings to the search results.