6 Indexing operations

In the last few chapters, we worked with indices without delving much into the intricate details about them. While that is adequate for getting started with Elasticsearch, it is far from ideal. Configuring an index with appropriate settings not only lets the search engine run efficiently, but it also enables befitting infrastructure, thus increasing resiliency and reducing costs. Having a sound organizational indexing strategy will create a future-proof search engine and, hence, a smoother user experience.

For a healthy and performant Elasticsearch cluster, working with indices at a lower level is necessary. Understanding the inner workings of index management in depth helps when setting up a resilient and coherent search system. This chapter is all about digging deep into indexing management, monitoring, and life cycle.

6.1 Indexing operations

6.2 Creating indices

6.2.1 Creating indices implicity (automatic creation)

6.2.2 Creating indices explicitly

6.2.3 Index with custom settings

6.2.4   Index with mappings

6.2.5 Index with aliases

6.3 Reading indices

6.3.1 Reading public indices

6.3.2 Reading hidden indices

6.4 Deleting indices

6.5 Closing and opening indices

6.5.1 Closing indices

6.5.2 Opening indices

6.6 Index templates

6.6.1 Creating index templates

6.7 Monitoring and managing indices

6.7.1 Index statistics

6.7.2 Multiple indices and statistics

6.8 Advanced operations

6.8.1 Splitting an index

6.8.2 Shrinking an index

6.8.3 Rolling over an index alias

6.9 Index life-cycle management (ILM)

6.9.1 About the index life cycle

6.9.2 Managing life cycle manually

6.9.3 Life cycle with rollover

6.10 Summary