Bird
0
0

Why might a database administrator choose NOT to create a single column index on a column with very few distinct values?

hard📝 Conceptual Q10 of 15
SQL - Indexes and Query Performance

Why might a database administrator choose NOT to create a single column index on a column with very few distinct values?

ABecause the column cannot be indexed if values repeat
BBecause the index provides little speed benefit and uses extra space
CBecause the index will cause data corruption
DBecause the index will automatically delete duplicates
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Understand index usefulness related to distinct values

    Indexes are most effective when columns have many unique values.
  2. Step 2: Consider columns with few distinct values

    Such indexes rarely improve query speed but consume storage and maintenance resources.
  3. Final Answer:

    Because the index provides little speed benefit and uses extra space -> Option B
  4. Quick Check:

    Low distinct values = low index benefit [OK]
Quick Trick: Avoid indexing low-cardinality columns to save space [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Believing index causes corruption
  • Thinking repeated values cannot be indexed
  • Assuming index deletes duplicates

Want More Practice?

15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free

Free Signup - Practice All Questions
More SQL Quizzes