Understanding PostgreSQL index types

So far only binary trees have been discussed. However, in many cases B-trees are just not enough. Why is that the case? As discussed in this chapter, B-trees are basically based on sorting. Operators <, <=, =, >= and > can be handled using B-trees. The trouble is: not all data types can be sorted in a useful way. Just imagine a polygon. How would you sort those objects in a useful way? Sure, you can sort by the area covered, its length or so, but doing that won't allow you to actually find them using a geometric search.

The solution to the problem is to provide more than just one index type. Each index will serve a special purpose and do exactly what is needed. The following index types are available (as of PostgreSQL 9.6):

test=# SELECT * FROM pg_am; 
 amname |  amhandler  | amtype  
--------+-------------+-------- 
 btree  | bthandler   | i 
 hash   | hashhandler | i 
 GiST   | GiSThandler | i 
 gin    | ginhandler  | i 
 spGiST | spghandler  | i 
 brin   | brinhandler | i 
(6 rows)

There are six types of indexes. B-trees have already been discussed in great detail but what are those other index types good for? The following sections will outline the purpose of each index type available in PostgreSQL.

Note that there are some extensions out there that can be used on top of what you can see here. Additional index types available on the web are rum, vodka, and in future, cognac.