What is the difference between indexing and partitioning in SQL?

What is the difference between indexing and partitioning in SQL?

Indexing is a technique to improve query performance by creating a data structure that allows for faster retrieval. Partitioning, on the other hand, involves dividing a large table into smaller, more manageable pieces, which can improve performance and maintenance.

Can you give me an example of when to use indexing?

Sure! Use indexing when you have a large table and frequently run queries that filter or sort based on specific columns. For instance, if you often search for users by their email address, creating an index on the email column can speed up those queries.

And what about partitioning? When should I consider that?

Consider partitioning when dealing with very large tables that can slow down performance. For example, if you have a sales table with millions of records, partitioning it by year can help manage data more efficiently and improve query performance.

Are there any downsides to using indexing or partitioning?

Yes, both have downsides. Indexing can slow down write operations because the index needs to be updated with each insert or update. Partitioning can add complexity to your database design and may require more maintenance.