index - index a starbase data table for fast access using the search command.

SYNOPSYS

index -m[sbihr] [-n] [-h] [-r] [-L] table column

DESCRIPTION

index creates a sorted index file (or sorts the table itself) so that the search command may be used to access rows of the table more quickly than the sequential access provided by row.

OPTIONS

-m[sbihr]
Search method to index for. Index creates an index for use with a particular search method.
s
sequential (noop)
b
primary key index on column
i
secondary key index on column
h
hash index
r
row index
-n
sort index in numeric order. The default is dictionary order.
-h
sort index in astronomical numeric order. This option enables the use of RA, Dec values formated in sexagasmal.
-r
reverse the index ordering (search -r is broken, don't use this).
-L
record the record locations in the index file. This option allows faster access with index files. The index file contains extra information and will be larger.

SEE ALSO

search
quickly search an indexed starbase data table.
starbase
ascii tab tables introduction.