string_size function returns the number of bytes in a string. You use it when you want to measure the length of text fields such as user IDs, URLs, or status codes. This function is useful for detecting anomalies, filtering out unusually long values, or analyzing patterns in textual data.
For example, you can use string_size to detect requests with excessively long URIs, identify outlier user IDs, or monitor payload lengths in traces.
For users of other query languages
If you come from other query languages, this section explains how to adjust your existing queries to achieve the same results in APL.Splunk SPL users
Splunk SPL users
In Splunk SPL, you typically use the
len function to calculate the number of characters in a string. In APL, you use string_size to calculate the number of bytes in a string.ANSI SQL users
ANSI SQL users
In ANSI SQL, you use the
LENGTH or CHAR_LENGTH function to calculate string length. In APL, the equivalent is string_size to calculate the number of bytes in a string.Usage
Syntax
Parameters
Returns
An integer representing the number of bytes in the string. If the string is empty, the function returns0.
Use case examples
- Log analysis
- OpenTelemetry traces
- Security logs
You can use Run in PlaygroundOutput
string_size to detect unusually long URIs that might indicate an attempted exploit or malformed request.QueryThis query finds all HTTP requests with URIs longer than 10 characters and lists their details.