What are the best practices for indexing in SQLAlchemy?

What are the best practices for indexing in SQLAlchemy?

When indexing in SQLAlchemy, consider the following best practices: 1. Index columns that are frequently queried. 2. Use composite indexes for multi-column queries. 3. Avoid over-indexing, as it can slow down write operations. 4. Regularly analyze and optimize your indexes based on query performance.

Can you explain composite indexes and when to use them?

Composite indexes are indexes on multiple columns. They are useful when queries filter or sort by multiple columns. Use them when you frequently run queries that involve combinations of those columns.

How can I analyze the performance of my indexes?

You can analyze index performance using SQLAlchemy's built-in logging features or by using database-specific tools like EXPLAIN in PostgreSQL or MySQL. These tools help you understand how queries utilize indexes.

What are the downsides of having too many indexes?

Having too many indexes can lead to increased storage requirements and slower write operations, as each insert, update, or delete must also update the indexes.