What is the Auto Indexing feature in Oracle Autonomous Database?

The Auto Indexing feature in Oracle Autonomous Database is designed to enhance query performance by automatically managing indexes. This includes both the creation of new indexes that can help optimize the execution of SQL queries and the dropping of those that no longer provide value. This dynamic approach allows the database to adapt to changing workload patterns over time without requiring manual intervention from database administrators.

By continuously analyzing the execution of queries and their performance, the Auto Indexing feature ensures that the most effective indexing strategies are in place at all times. This not only improves performance but also reduces administrative overhead, allowing teams to focus on more strategic tasks rather than routine index maintenance.

The key to understanding why this feature is essential lies in its ability to automate what is traditionally a manual and often complex process, thus optimizing overall database efficiency and responsiveness.