Index

Overview

An Index is an AnalyticsCreator design object that defines an index for a warehouse table.

It combines index behavior with an ordered set of table columns.

Function

Use indexes to define primary-key, clustered, unique, columnstore, and supporting index structures for physical tables.

Index settings are validated against the owning table, including restrictions on multiple clustered or primary-key indexes and incompatible columnstore combinations.

Types

Index behavior is controlled by flags that can be combined where the database rules permit.

Type Use
Standard index Defines one or more ordered key columns.
Unique index Requires unique key values.
Clustered index Defines the table's clustered storage order.
Primary-key index Implements the table's primary key.
Columnstore index Uses columnstore storage for supported analytical scenarios.

Attributes

Attributes define the configuration, behavior, and relationships of the index entity.

Attribute Applies to Description
Table All indexes Table that owns the index.
Name All indexes Required index name.
Description All indexes Documents the purpose of the index.
Compression type Supported indexes Compression option used when the index is generated.
Unique Optional behavior Requires unique key values.
Clustered Optional behavior Marks the index as clustered.
Primary key Optional behavior Marks the index as the table primary-key index.
Columnstore Optional behavior Marks the index as a columnstore index.
Columns All indexes Ordered table columns included in the index.
Sort and include settings Index columns Descending direction and include-only behavior for each column.

How it is used in AnalyticsCreator

Use case Description
Define table keys Implement the primary key or a supporting unique key.
Improve generated database performance Create ordered or included columns that support expected access patterns.
Support analytical storage Define columnstore indexing where applicable.
Keep index metadata in the model Generate index definitions consistently with the table design.

Relationships

Related entity Relationship
Table An index belongs to one table.
Column An index contains one or more table columns.
Schema The owning table determines the schema in which the index is generated.

Where to configure

Configure or review this entity from the matching AnalyticsCreator user-interface area.

Related topics