What does it mean when fields are 'required' in a dataset configuration?

When fields are designated as 'required' in a dataset configuration, it means that these fields play a crucial role in defining what data should be included in the results. Specifically, 'required' fields help filter the events that are fetched and ultimately displayed to the user. If a field is marked as required, you cannot successfully execute a search or generate reports without including those fields, ensuring that the analysis is relevant and coherent based on the necessary parameters established for the dataset.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the significance of 'required' fields. Designating a field as optional would imply that it is not necessary for the configuration to function correctly, thus contradicting the fundamental concept of requirement. Similarly, automatic generation of fields relates to the process of creating fields based on extracted data rather than their necessity in filtering or inclusion criteria. Lastly, stating that they need not be specified directly opposes the idea that required fields are essential for the operation of the dataset configuration.