What type of data does the _introspection index in Splunk help to monitor?

The _introspection index in Splunk is specifically designed to capture and monitor system performance and usage data. This index provides insights into the internal workings of the Splunk environment, which may include metrics related to search performance, indexing performance, resource utilization (like memory and CPU), and general operational health. By collecting this type of data, administrators can gain valuable visibility into how the Splunk platform is operating, which is crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing performance.

Being focused on system performance and usage provides a comprehensive view that is essential for identifying potential bottlenecks or area for improvements within the Splunk infrastructure. This capability allows organizations to ensure their Splunk deployment remains efficient and responsive to user needs. In contrast, the other mentioned data types do not fall under the scope of the _introspection index, thereby illustrating its specialized purpose within the Splunk ecosystem.