What does database mean in ServiceNow?

[__ __2]

I see a database indexes in the custom table relationship list, what does this database mean in ServiceNow?

[Danish Bhairag2 · Accepted solution]

Hi @__ __2 ,

Database generally means a place where data can be stored n retrieved as per the requirement.

In ServiceNow, a database index is a mechanism used to optimize the performance of queries on a table by creating a data structure that allows for efficient retrieval of data based on specific columns or fields. In the context of the "Custom Table Relationship" list, database indexes play a crucial role in improving the speed of queries related to relationships between tables.

Here's what the term "database indexes" generally means in the context of ServiceNow:

1. **Definition:**

   - A database index is a data structure associated with a table that improves the speed of data retrieval operations on that table.

2. **Purpose:**

   - Indexes are used to quickly locate and access the rows in a table based on the values in certain columns.

   - By creating indexes on columns that are frequently used in queries (e.g., fields involved in relationships), the database engine can efficiently locate the relevant records.

3. **Custom Table Relationship List:**

   - In the context of a "Custom Table Relationship" list in ServiceNow, the presence of database indexes indicates that certain columns used in relationships have been indexed to enhance the performance of queries related to these relationships.

   - For example, if you have relationships defined between two custom tables, the fields involved in those relationships might be indexed to speed up operations like finding related records.

4. **Performance Impact:**

   - Properly designed and maintained indexes can significantly improve the performance of data retrieval operations.

   - However, it's important to note that while indexes speed up read operations, they can have some impact on the performance of write operations (inserts, updates, deletes). Therefore, it's a trade-off, and the selection of which columns to index should be based on the specific use case and query patterns.

5. **ServiceNow Administration:**

   - In ServiceNow, administrators can view and manage indexes through the "System Definition" > "Tables" module.

   - Table administrators can configure indexes on fields based on their understanding of the data access patterns in their instance.

If you see "database indexes" in the context of a custom table relationship list, it likely means that certain columns involved in relationships are indexed to optimize the performance of queries related to those relationships.

Thanks,

Danish

[Maik Skoddow]

Hi @__ __2 

the database in ServiceNow is the place where all your instance data is stored. Currently, it is still MariaDB as vendor.

Managing databases is a highly complex topic, especially when it comes to performance aspects. And a database index is a way to improve performance for accessing table data. Instead of performing a so-called "full table scan" an index provides a short way to the searched information.

Maik