Understanding the basics of MySQL indexes

[bunner_bob]

I've never done anything with indexes in MySQL, but figure I should start since I'm thinking of adding search capability to a site.

I'm wondering what I do to activate indexing on particular columns, and if it's just as simple as that - turn on indexing, and suddenly searches are faster, or is there more prep work that can/should be done? Any good tutorials or primers on indexes?

Thanks,
Bob

[planetsim]

Well basically it is that easy with PHPMyAdmin just type feild name, select feild types and add indexes on specific feilds for example you cannot index a text feild but use fulltext which can be used if for searching.

However be careful what you index. Only index what is required i.e. do not index a primary key not that you can but you get the idea i hope.

Other than that just make sure you have a good database structure and make sure you have it as optimized as possible and it should work quite well.

Goodluck with your endeavours