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The Difference Between Clustered and Non-Clustered Index in a Database
When it comes to database optimization, understanding the distinction between a clustered and non-clustered index is crucial.
Clustered Index
A clustered index determines the physical order of the data rows in a table based on the indexed key. Essentially, the data rows in a table are sorted and stored on disk based on the order of the clustered index. A table can only have one clustered index, and this index impacts the physical arrangement of the table on disk.
Non-Clustered Index
In contrast, a non-clustered index does not change the physical order of the actual data rows. Instead, it creates a separate structure that points to the physical location of the data. A table can have multiple non-clustered indexes, and they do not affect the arrangement of data on disk.
Overall, the main difference lies in how data is physically organized and accessed. While a clustered index reorders the actual data rows, a non-clustered index creates an additional data structure for searching without changing the underlying data order.
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