Top FAQs to Index Content and Data

The top FAQs for indexing data models and catalog content are identified in this topic.

What can I index?

You can choose to index catalog content - analyses, dashboards, and reports. You must be an administrator to modify the catalog indexing preferences.

How often should I schedule a crawl?

The index updates automatically as users add or modify catalog content. In some cases you might want to change the crawl schedule, if automatic indexing didn't run, or if your data updates occur less frequently (for example, monthly).

Are there considerations when indexing subject areas with large tables?

You can index any size table, but big tables take longer to index. For large subject areas that have many tables or large tables, consider indexing only the columns that your users search for.

Because index files are compact, it's rare to exceed the storage space reserved for indexing.

How are search results ordered?

Search results are listed in this order:

1. Certified datasets
2. Personal datasets
3. Catalog items (analyses, dashboards, and reports)

Should I use Don't Index to secure my catalog items?

No. Oracle doesn't recommend setting the Crawl Status field to Don't Index as a way of hiding a catalog item from users. Users won't see the item in search results or on the home page, but are still able to access the item. Instead, use permissions to apply the proper security to the item.

How do I build an index most effectively?

For best results only index the subject areas, dimensions, catalog items. Indexing all items yields too many search results. Oracle recommends that you deselect all catalog items and then select only the items that the user needs. You can then add items to the index as needed.