What is Rails indexing and how does it work?

What is Rails indexing and how does it work?

Rails indexing refers to the process of creating indexes on database tables to improve query performance. It allows the database to find and retrieve data more quickly.

Why should I use indexing in my Rails application?

Indexing can significantly speed up data retrieval, especially for large datasets. It reduces the amount of data the database needs to scan for queries.

Are there any downsides to using indexes?

Yes, while indexes improve read performance, they can slow down write operations like inserts and updates, as the index also needs to be updated.

How do I create an index in a Rails migration?

You can create an index in a Rails migration using the add_index method. For example: add_index :table_name, :column_name.

Can I remove an index later if I no longer need it?

Absolutely! You can remove an index using the remove_index method in a migration.