How can Splunk integrate with external systems?

Splunk can integrate with external systems through APIs, webhooks, and custom connectors, making option B the correct choice. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow Splunk to communicate programmatically with other applications, enabling data input and output in real-time, which is essential for environments where automated data flow is needed.

Webhooks are particularly useful for event-driven architectures, as they allow other applications to notify Splunk of events, which can trigger actions or ingestion of data within Splunk almost instantaneously. Custom connectors provide a flexible way to connect Splunk with specialized or proprietary systems that may not have out-of-the-box support.

In contrast, the other options either limit the integration methods or suggest outdated methods. User commands alone do not adequately encompass the various modern integration techniques available, nor does relying solely on the user interface which would restrict automation and integration capabilities. Manual file uploads are also less efficient, as they involve human intervention and are not suitable for real-time data integration needs. Such limitations underscore the importance of using APIs, webhooks, and custom connectors for robust integration with external systems.