What function should you use with the transaction command to set the maximum total time between the earliest and latest events returned?

The function that should be used with the transaction command to set the maximum total time between the earliest and latest events returned is indeed the maxspan function. This function is specifically designed to limit the total duration that a transaction can cover. By using maxspan, you can ensure that only events within a specified time frame are grouped together in a transaction, which can be particularly useful in scenarios where you are monitoring events over a defined window of time.

When utilizing transaction commands, maxspan allows for more precise control over what constitutes a transaction, especially in environments where events may be trickling in over long periods. By defining a maximum span, you effectively set boundaries that help in identifying and analyzing transactional data more accurately.

Other choices, while related to event handling in different contexts, do not specifically function to limit the overall time span of events in a transaction. Understanding how and when to apply the maxspan function is essential for effective transaction management in Splunk.