Which of the following is NOT a method for data ingestion in Splunk?

Data aggregation is not considered a method for data ingestion in Splunk. Instead, it refers to the process of collecting and summarizing data from different sources, often used to optimize performance and derive insights from data already ingested. Ingestion involves getting data into Splunk for analysis, whereas aggregation is a subsequent step that can occur after data ingestion.

In contrast, data forwarders, file inputs, and API calls are all valid methods for ingesting data into Splunk. Data forwarders are components that send log data from one location to the Splunk indexer. File inputs allow Splunk to read data files directly from a specified location on the filesystem. API calls enable data submission to Splunk from external applications or scripts, facilitating dynamic data ingestion depending on events or user actions. Understanding these methods is essential for efficiently managing data in a Splunk environment.