PostgreSQL Indexing Guide for Faster Queries

Indexes are one of the highest-impact tools for database performance, but every index has a write cost. Good indexing starts with real query patterns, not guesses.

Use EXPLAIN ANALYZE to inspect how PostgreSQL executes a query. Add indexes for common filters, joins, and ordering patterns. Composite indexes should match the way queries actually access data.

Avoid indexing everything. Too many indexes slow writes, increase storage, and make maintenance harder. Measure before and after each change.