What does indexer mean?
An indexer is a person or thing that organizes and retrieves data from a database or other electronic storage system. In computing, an indexer is a program that creates and maintains an index of data, allowing for fast and efficient searching. Indexers are commonly used in search engines, databases, and other applications where data needs to be quickly located and retrieved. The term 'indexer' can also refer to a person who creates and maintains indexes, such as a librarian or cataloger. In general, an indexer is a tool or person that helps to organize and make sense of large amounts of data.
noun
A person or thing that indexes, especially a computer program.
"The indexer was used to search for specific documents in the company's database."
In computing, an indexer is typically a program that runs in the background and updates the index periodically.
noun
A person who creates and maintains indexes, such as a librarian or cataloger.
"The librarian was responsible for indexing the books in the library."
In contrast, a person who creates and maintains indexes, such as a librarian or cataloger, may work on a more manual basis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of indexer
The word 'indexer' is derived from the verb 'index', which means to organize and arrange data in a systematic way. The term 'indexer' has been in use since the mid-20th century, and has become a standard term in the field of computing and information management.
Usage notes
In computing, an indexer is typically a program that runs in the background and updates the index periodically. In contrast, a person who creates and maintains indexes, such as a librarian or cataloger, may work on a more manual basis. The term 'indexer' can also be used in a more general sense to refer to any tool or person that helps to organize and make sense of large amounts of data.