SQL Server Index Naming Conventions

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?

Answer 1

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

ix_tablename_col1_col2

Answer 2

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 3

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.