Definition of index

In programming, a scalar value that allows direct access into a multi-element data structure such as an array without the need for a sequential search through the collection of elements.

In a database, to find data by using keys such as words or field names to locate records.

A listing of keywords and associated data that point to the location of more comprehensive information, such as files and records on a disk or record keys in a database.

A marker produced by the Windows Media Format Software Development Kit (SDK) to enable seeking in a video file.

A value multiplied by the base price to calculate a subscription price.

The dynamic alphabet bar that runs along the bottom of the list views in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Web application window. When a user clicks a letter, the list view filters the available records by that letter.

To locate data based on an index.

The name on some operating systems for a directory listing of files.

The starting point of a data set. For example, say a record within a sector of a cylinder of a disk. The first bit of the container does not have user data. It is the pointer to the index of that container.

A file of information, usually small amounts of the same information in another file that is much larger. The smaller file also keeps track of the exact record number of the record in the large file containing the same information, only in much greater detail.