SQL Server Performance

index key

Discussion in 'General DBA Questions' started by jayalas, Jan 9, 2006.

  1. jayalas New Member

    Hi every body,

    What does an index key actually contain?
    Why it is better to create a clustered on integer column
    rather than on a character column?
    jayalas, Jan 9, 2006
    #2

  2. ranjitjain New Member

    Hi,
    The question you have asked is very broad so i recommend you to read about them in BOL which has good explanation on all this.
    ranjitjain, Jan 10, 2006
    #2

  3. Twan New Member

    Hi ya,

    yep BOL is good, basic synopsis is that the key of the clustered index is used as a 'hidden' key in every non-clustered index, so in effect the non-clustered index points at the leaf entry in a clustered index. So keeping the clustered index key as narrow as possible helps keeping non-clustered indexes small in size

    Cheers
    Twan
    Twan, Jan 10, 2006
    #2

  4. satya Moderator

    And also search under this website for many useful articles about importance of indexes on a database, if you are attempting for an interview then also take time to read from books online as a first hand information.

    Good luck.

    Satya SKJ
    Contributing Editor & Forums Moderator
    http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    This posting is provided “AS IS” with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing.
    satya, Jan 10, 2006
    #2

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