What is Vector Index?
It is a mapping method used to quickly search and find the numerical equivalents (vectors) of data.
Overview
Artificial intelligence models translate words or images into numbers. Instead of looking at millions of data one by one while searching for something, we organize this data in a special map called 'vector index'. This is like arranging the books in the library alphabetically and categorically by subject, rather than in random piles.
How it works
Vectors that are close to each other (similar in meaning) in a multidimensional space are placed in the same region. When a search is made, the system returns the result by looking only at that region.
Where it is used
It is used in RAG systems, recommendation engines and large databases.
Commonly confused with
Can be confused with Vector Database; Vector Database is a repository, and Vector Index is the search system within that repository.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the index important?
Without an index, you have to scan through all the data with each search, which is very slow.
What is the meaning of vectors?
Vectors are mathematical coordinates of data understood by the computer.
Related terms
Related tools
This explanation was written in plain language for TreScout and machine-translated from the Turkish original · the Turkish version prevails. If something looks wrong or missing, write to hello@trescout.com. Read in Turkish →