←back to thread

295 points mrsuh | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0.426s | source
Show context
salviati ◴[] No.42138105[source]
The term "indexes" serves both as the third-person singular present tense of the verb "to index" and as a plural noun form of "index." In contrast, "indices" is the traditional plural form of "index," particularly prevalent in mathematical and scientific contexts. While "indexes" is commonly used in general English, "indices" is often preferred in technical fields to maintain linguistic precision. Employing "indices" in such contexts helps distinguish between the action of indexing and the plural form of index, thereby enhancing clarity.
replies(4): >>42138511 #>>42138522 #>>42138564 #>>42140104 #
1. orthecreedence ◴[] No.42138564[source]
It depends on your audience. If you're catering to academics, use "indices." If you're catering to the general person, "indices" comes off as pompous.
replies(1): >>42144528 #
2. srcreigh ◴[] No.42144528[source]
Nope. Academics prefer “indexes” when discussing databases.