In the Field Definitions for versions 5/6, when we select the "Index On Demand" option, how long does FileMaker keep the Index it creates?

1) Stores it to disk & keeps it permanently

2) Stores it "in memory" only, then loses it when the file is closed

3) Stores it only for the operation that triggered the "On Demand"

As I understand it, the answer is #2. FileMaker will keep the Index around, until the File/Database is closed. BUT, I not at all sure I am correct.

Anybody know for sure?

I don't know "for sure," but since the field definitions permanently mark the field as "Indexed" once the indexing on demand is triggered, I'm pretty sure it is permanent, and not temporary.

Well, I had always assumed that FM created & kept the index. We have some performance issues & I received bad info from somebody it appears.

At this point, I believe you are correct.

Definitely. If you do something that triggers the indexing, the next time you go into field definitions you will see that the field is indexed. Depending on your data, you may also notice a larger file size.

J