What is the purpose of 'transforms.conf' in Splunk?

The purpose of 'transforms.conf' in Splunk is to configure data transformations. This configuration file allows users to specify rules and operations that manipulate event data as it is being indexed or queried. For instance, it can be used to extract fields from raw data, modify events, or route data to different indexes based on specified conditions.

When data is ingested into Splunk, it often requires various transformations to ensure that it is both useful and organized. These transformations can involve actions like renaming fields, masking sensitive information, or even filtering out unwanted data before it reaches the indexing process. By defining these transformations in 'transforms.conf', Splunk can apply the rules consistently, ensuring that data adheres to the desired schema and structure needed for effective searching and reporting.

The other options are not suitable in this case because storing raw event data is typically handled by Splunk's indexing mechanisms, managing user permissions is done through roles and capabilities rather than through 'transforms.conf', and optimizing search performance usually involves configurations in other files, such as 'props.conf'. Thus, the focus of 'transforms.conf' is specifically on how data is transformed during ingestion or search processes.