👉 Indexing in computing refers to the process of organizing and structuring data so that it can be efficiently searched, retrieved, and analyzed. This involves creating an index—a data structure that maps content from a database or document collection to its locations, allowing for rapid access to specific information. Indexes are crucial in databases and search engines, as they significantly speed up query performance by reducing the amount of data that needs to be scanned. They work by maintaining a pointer or reference to the original data, enabling quick lookups based on keywords, phrases, or other criteria. While indexes enhance retrieval speed, they also consume additional storage space and can slow down data modification operations like inserts and updates, necessitating a balance between indexing efficiency and system performance.
