What is a requirement for extracted fields in relation to data?

Extracted fields in Splunk are a fundamental aspect of how data is indexed and queried. When fields are extracted from data, they are identified and available for searching and reporting. The correct answer highlights that extracted fields must be persistent. This means that once they are defined and extracted, they remain available for use in searches even after the original data has been indexed.

This persistence is crucial because it allows users to leverage the extracted fields repeatedly across multiple searches and reports, enhancing the overall utility of the indexed data. If extracted fields were not persistent, users would have to repeatedly define them for every search, which would be inefficient and cumbersome.

The other options reflect misunderstandings about the nature of extracted fields. For instance, while temporary fields can exist during a search session, they do not have the enduring presence required to facilitate ongoing search needs. Similarly, requiring fields to be live or revalidated constantly does not align with how extracted fields are intended to operate in a stable, indexed environment. The persistence assures that users can depend on these fields being available for querying without the need for continual validation or re-extraction.