Chapter 11: Implementing Indexes

About This Chapter

Indexes are database objects designed to improve query performance. This chapter introduces you to the structure and purpose of indexes and their types and characteristics. You will learn how to determine when an index is appropriate, the type of index to create, and how to create it. After you create indexes, you must maintain them to maximize query performance. A number of tools exist to assist you with index maintenance and administration. Administration tasks include rebuilding, renaming, and deleting indexes.