Siebel Analytics Performance Tuning Guide > The Database Servers >

Overview of Database Indexing

Indexes are database objects designed to improve query performance by shortening access paths to data and accelerating join operations. Indexes improve performance and are transparent to users; the server, not the user, determines which index to use, although some optimizers allow users to include hints.

Indexes can improve query performance by reducing access time and accelerating join operations. Nevertheless, they occupy storage space, they must be maintained, and they can interfere with database update and load operations. Consequently, indexes should be selected with care, and their benefits balanced against their costs.


 Siebel Analytics Performance Tuning Guide 
 Published: 18 April 2003