index vs fulltext index in mysql

In MySQL, an index is a data structure that improves the speed of data retrieval operations on a table. It works by allowing the database to find and retrieve specific rows more quickly, by reducing the amount of data that needs to be scanned to find the desired rows.

A fulltext index, on the other hand, is a type of index that is designed specifically for full-text searches. It is used to speed up text-based search queries by creating a separate data structure that indexes the words in the text column of a table. When a search query is executed, the fulltext index is used to quickly identify the rows that contain the specified search terms, without having to scan the entire text column.

The main difference between a regular index and a fulltext index is that a regular index is used for exact matches on specific columns, whereas a fulltext index is used for text-based searches that match specific words or phrases within a column. Additionally, a fulltext index is typically much larger than a regular index, as it needs to store information about the position and frequency of each word within the indexed text column.

In summary, if you need to search for specific words or phrases within a text column, a fulltext index is the way to go. However, if you are only searching for exact matches on a specific column, a regular index is sufficient.