Chapter 11 -- Implementing Indexes

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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 in order to maximize their ability to improve query performance. A number of tools exist to assist you with index maintenance and administration. Administration tasks include rebuilding, renaming, and deleting indexes.

Before You Begin

To complete the lessons in this chapter, you must have:

• SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition installed on a Windows 2000 Server computer.
• The ability to log on to the Windows 2000 Server computer and to SQL Server as the Windows 2000 Administrator.
• Completed the exercises in Chapter 3, "Designing a SQL Server Database," Chapter 4, "Implementing SQL Server Databases and Tables," Chapter 5, "Implementing Data Integrity," and Chapter 7, "Managing and Manipulating Data."