SQL administration: Which SQL statement is used to change an index’s future storage parameters (for example, in systems that support storage clauses)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: ALTER INDEX

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Production databases require ongoing maintenance of indexes, including rebuilding, moving to different tablespaces, or adjusting storage parameters. Administrators use Data Definition Language (DDL) to manage these tasks, and the correct command depends on the RDBMS dialect.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We seek the canonical DDL verb used to change an index definition.
  • Many enterprise systems (e.g., Oracle) support storage clauses on indexes that can be altered.
  • Non-standard verbs are distractors.


Concept / Approach:
The standard DDL pattern for changing existing objects is ALTER . For indexes, this is ALTER INDEX. Sub-clauses may specify rebuild, tablespace moves, or storage attributes, depending on platform capabilities and privileges.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify object type: INDEX.Associate the change operation with ALTER.Confirm that “ALTER INDEX” is the correct verb-object pair.Select “ALTER INDEX.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Vendor documentation typically lists ALTER INDEX for rebuild, coalesce, logging, and storage/tablespace changes, confirming this choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
REDEFINE/MODIFY/DO INDEX: not standard SQL DDL verbs for indexes.


None of the above: incorrect because ALTER INDEX is standard.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ALTER INDEX with CREATE INDEX (creation) or DROP INDEX (removal). ALTER is specifically for changing attributes of an existing index.



Final Answer:
ALTER INDEX

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