Understanding SharePoint Indexing: When Does SharePoint Automatically Index Columns?
SharePoint automatically indexes columns in several instances:
- Primary Key Columns: When you create a list, SharePoint automatically indexes the primary key column (ID field) for faster retrieval.
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Unique Columns: Columns marked as unique are automatically indexed to enforce uniqueness.
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Lookup Columns: Columns used as lookup columns in other lists are automatically indexed to optimize lookup queries.
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Managed Metadata Columns: SharePoint automatically indexes managed metadata columns to enhance performance when filtering or sorting by these columns.
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Indexed Columns in Views: Columns included in indexed views are automatically indexed to improve view performance.
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Indexed Columns in Large Lists: In large lists, SharePoint automatically indexes frequently used columns to improve performance.
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Date and Time Columns: Columns with date and time data types are automatically indexed to optimize date-based queries.
These automatic indexing features help improve performance and efficiency in SharePoint lists and libraries.