Indexing is the process of organizing information to make it easily retrievable. In databases, it involves creating a data structure that improves the speed of data retrieval operations. By using indexes, systems can quickly locate and access specific records without scanning the entire dataset.
In the context of books, indexing refers to the creation of an alphabetical list of topics, terms, or names along with their corresponding page numbers. This helps readers find information quickly. Both types of indexing enhance efficiency, whether in digital systems or printed materials, by streamlining the search process.