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PostgreSQL - List Indexes - GeeksforGeeks

Last Updated : 15 Jul, 2025

Indexes in PostgreSQL are crucial for optimizing query performance, helping speed up data retrieval by allowing faster access to rows in a table. PostgreSQL does not provide a direct SHOW INDEXES command like some other databases; however, you can use the pg_indexes view and the psql command line to list and manage indexes effectively.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive understanding of how to list indexes in PostgreSQL using different methods, accompanied by examples and explanations. Effective index management is important for optimizing database performance, and knowing how to retrieve index details is a valuable skill for PostgreSQL users.

Indexes are database objects created on one or more columns of a table to improve query efficiency. They work by reducing the amount of data that needs to be scanned, which speeds up data retrieval. Proper management of indexes can lead to significantly better database performance.

We can list indexes in PostgreSQL by two methods, namely:

1. Using the pg_indexes view
   
2. Using the psql command

Each of these methods provides useful insights into PostgreSQL index management, and we will cover both in detail with examples.

The 'pg_indexes' view allows us to access useful information on each index in the PostgreSQL database. The 'pg_indexes' view consists of five columns:

• 'schemaname': stores the name of the schema that contains tables and indexes.
  
• 'tablename': stores name of the table to which the index belongs.
  
• 'indexname': stores name of the index.
  
• 'tablespace': stores name of the tablespace that contains indexes.
  
• 'indexdef': stores index definition command in the form of CREATE INDEX statement.

To retrieve a list of all indexes within the public schema of the current database, use the following query:

Query:

SELECT
    tablename,
    indexname,
    indexdef
FROM
    pg_indexes
WHERE
    schemaname = 'public'
ORDER BY
    tablename,
    indexname;

Output

Explanation:

This query retrieves and sorts indexes based on their associated tables within the public schema.

The following statement lists all the indexes for the customer table, we use the following statement:

Query:

SELECT
    indexname,
    indexdef
FROM
    pg_indexes
WHERE
    tablename = 'customer';

Output

Explanation:

This query filters by table name to retrieve index information specifically for the customer table.

who prefer using the command-line interface with PostgreSQL, the psql command provides an efficient method for listing indexes. The \d command in psql can display detailed index information for given table.

Syntax:

The below syntax is used to list all the indexes of a table using psql command:

\d table_name;

Here we will list all the indexes of the customer table of the sample database as shown below:

\d customer;

Output

Explanation:

This command fetches and displays all indexes associated with the 'customer' table.

Here we will list all the indexes of the film table of the sample database as shown below:

\d film;

Output

Explanation:

This command retrieves index information for the 'film' table.

By using the pg_indexes view or the psql command, PostgreSQL users can efficiently list and manage indexes within their databases. Both methods provide critical insights into schema organization and index definitions, which are essential for optimizing database performance. Efficient index management in PostgreSQL enhances performance, and understanding how to list indexes is a foundational skill for database administrators and developers alike.

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