Indexing is the process of organizing and cataloging data to enable fast and efficient retrieval. In the context of databases and search engines, indexing involves creating a structured reference often called an index that allows systems to quickly locate and access specific information without scanning the entire dataset. This technique significantly improves performance for queries, searches, and data management tasks. Indexing is fundamental in fields such as information retrieval, database management, and web search, ensuring users can find relevant content swiftly and accurately.