What is a key method for troubleshooting a Splunk deployment?

Checking logs and performance metrics is a key method for troubleshooting a Splunk deployment because it provides direct insights into the operation of various components within the Splunk environment. Logs can reveal issues related to data ingestion, indexing, search performance, and even app functionality. Performance metrics allow administrators to monitor resource usage, query performance, and system health, thus enabling them to identify bottlenecks or failures in the system. By analyzing these logs and metrics, IT teams can take informed actions to resolve problems and ensure that the Splunk environment operates efficiently.

The other methods listed, such as creating new data inputs, increasing server storage capacity, and installing additional apps, do not directly address troubleshooting existing issues. Instead, they may be part of ongoing development or expansion efforts in a Splunk deployment but are not primarily focused on diagnosing or resolving current problems. Effective troubleshooting relies on understanding the specific symptoms exhibited by the system, which is best accomplished through logs and performance metrics.