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Should I Create Index?

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Topic

MMMY
Starting Member

14 Posts

Posted - 2012-05-31 : 10:22:46

I'm working with a huge, huge data set so I don't want to do anything that I will regret. I am not a DBA by trade so please be understanding. :)

EXAMPLE 1
Columns
A B C

I will never modify A. I will be constantly updating B and C. By indexing A, will that improve performance of my queries that will update B and C involving WHERE clauses for A?

EXAMPLE 2
Columns
A B C

I will never modify A. I will be constantly updating B and C through the use of WHERE clauses for A and WHERE C is null. Should I create an index for A and C?

Thank you so much

robvolk
Most Valuable Yak

15732 Posts

Posted - 2012-05-31 : 10:27:43

What exactly is a "huge, huge data set"?

DonAtWork
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

2167 Posts

Posted - 2012-05-31 : 10:32:36

huge dataset = 1 billion rows
huge, huge dataset = 1 billion billion rows

How to ask: http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/brettk/archive/2005/05/25/5276.aspx
For ultra basic questions, follow these links.
http://www.sql-tutorial.net/
http://www.firstsql.com/tutor.htm
http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

robvolk
Most Valuable Yak

15732 Posts

Posted - 2012-05-31 : 10:34:50

quote:
Originally posted by DonAtWork

huge dataset = 1 billion rows
huge, huge dataset = 1 billion billion rows

I can't keep up with this new math

nigelrivett
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

3385 Posts

Posted - 2012-05-31 : 10:36:27

Probably index A and possibly include B and C. Might want to cluster on A but maybe not - depends on the queries. Is there a PK?
You need to be careful about page splitting if b and c change in size.

==========================================
Cursors are useful if you don't know sql.
SSIS can be used in a similar way.
Beer is not cold and it isn't fizzy.

jackv
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

2179 Posts

Posted - 2012-06-01 : 14:59:45

Present the queries, are there any JOINS,ORDER BY etc?

Jack Vamvas
--------------------
http://www.sqlserver-dba.com

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