Sql Server Index Naming Conventions [Closed]

Question

Is there some standard way to name indexes for SQL Server? It seems that the primary key index is named PK_ and non-clustered indexes typically start with IX_. Are there any naming conventions beyond that for unique indexes?

Accepted Answer

I use

PK_ for primary keys

UK_ for unique keys

IX_ for non clustered non unique indexes

UX_ for unique indexes

All of my index name take the form of
<index or key type>_<table name>_<column 1>_<column 2>_<column n>

Answer 2

I usually name indexes by the name of the table and the columns they contain:

ix_tablename_col1_col2

Answer 3

Is it worth a special prefix for indices associated with foreign keys? I think so, since it reminds me that indices on foreign keys are not created by default, and so it is easier to see if they are missing.

For this, I am using names that match the name of the foreign key:

FK_[table]_[foreign_key_table]

or, where multiple foreign keys exist on the same table

FK_[table]_[foreign_key_table]_[foreign_key_field]

Answer 4

I know a old topic but thought I'd throw in my 2cents worth

PKC_ Primary Key, Clustered
PKNC_ Primary Key, Non Clusterd
NCAK_ Non Clustered, Unique
CAK_ Clustered, Unique
NC_ Non Clustered

Example;

NCAK_AccountHeader_OrganisationID_NextDate

Where NCAK : Non Clustered, Unique, AccountHeader : Table and OrganisationID_NextDate : Columns.

Sql Server Index Naming Conventions [Closed]

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4 Answers

Sarah Jenkins