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SQL Indexing Strategies

SQL Indexing Strategies

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Woody Woodpecker
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7 views

SQL Indexing Strategies

SQL Indexing Strategies

Uploaded by

Woody Woodpecker
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SQL Indexing

Strategies

Anish Chakravorty
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What Are Indexes in
SQL?
Indexes are like a table of contents
in a book—they help your database
find data quickly without scanning
the entire table.

Benefits of Indexing:
Faster data retrieval.
Optimized sorting and filtering.
Better performance for large
datasets.

💡 Think of indexes as shortcuts for


SQL queries!
Types of Indexes
1. Clustered Index:

Determines the physical order of


data in the table.
Only one per table (usually on the
primary key).
Faster for range queries.

2. Non-Clustered Index:

Separate from the actual data;


includes pointers to the data.
Multiple non-clustered indexes
allowed per table.
Great for frequently filtered or
sorted columns.
Clustered Index Explained

The table data is stored physically


in the order of the indexed column.

Perfect for range queries (e.g.,


dates, IDs).

Pro Tip: Use clustered indexes for primary


keys or frequently queried ranges.
Non-Clustered Index
Explained

The index contains a separate structure


with pointers to the actual data.

Allows multiple indexes for different


queries.

Pro Tip: Use non-clustered indexes for


columns in WHERE, ORDER BY, or JOIN
clauses.
Key Differences

Non-Clustered
Feature Clustered Index
Index

Physical Data Separate from the


Matches the index
Order index

Number Per Table Only 1 Multiple allowed

Faster for range Faster for


Performance
queries selective filters

Frequently filtered
Use Case Primary Key
columns
When to Use Clustered
Indexes?

Primary keys and unique identifiers.

Columns with sequential or range-


based data (e.g., dates, IDs).

Tables with frequent range queries.


When to Use Non-
Clustered Indexes?

Columns frequently used in WHERE


or ORDER BY.

Supporting columns for complex


joins.

Large tables requiring multiple


search patterns.
Real-Life Optimization
Example
Scenario: Find employees earning more than
100,000.
Without Index: (Full Table Scan)

With Index: (Non-Clustered Index on Salary)

Result: Query runs 5x faster!


Key Takeaways

Clustered Index: Use for primary


keys or sequential data.

Non-Clustered Index: Use for


frequently filtered or sorted
columns.

Index wisely to balance


performance and storage costs.
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Anish Chakravorty
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