In database design, what is the main goal of using an index?

The primary goal of using an index in database design is to speed up data retrieval operations. An index functions much like an index in a book, allowing the database management system to quickly locate specific rows in a table without having to scan every row sequentially. This is particularly beneficial for databases that contain large amounts of data, as it significantly reduces the amount of time needed to fetch records based on certain queries.

When an index is created on one or more columns in a table, the database uses this structure to quickly find the positions of the data that meet a specific query criterion. This improves performance, especially for operations that involve search and retrieval of a subset of records. Consequently, indexing is a crucial aspect of optimizing database performance and ensuring efficient data access.

Other options, while relevant to database management, do not capture the primary purpose of indexing. Enforcing data integrity relates to maintaining correct and reliable data, data manipulation involves performing operations such as insert, update, and delete, and compliance with regulations often pertains to ensuring that data handling meets legal standards. These functions are important but are not the main reason for implementing indexes in a database system.