The correct answer is C. Index optimization. CompTIA DataSys+ identifies index management and optimization as a critical database maintenance activity that can be CPU-intensive but significantly improves query performance and information retrieval. Index optimization involves reorganizing, rebuilding, or analyzing database indexes to ensure they are structured efficiently and aligned with query usage patterns.
Indexes act as data access paths that allow the database engine to locate rows quickly without scanning entire tables. Over time, as data is inserted, updated, or deleted, indexes can become fragmented, inefficient, or poorly aligned with current workloads. Index optimization processes use CPU resources to analyze index statistics, rebalance tree structures, and rebuild index pages. While these operations temporarily consume CPU cycles, they result in faster query execution, reduced I/O operations, and improved overall system performance.
Option A, database compression, can reduce storage usage and I/O, but it primarily trades CPU for disk savings and does not directly optimize query access paths. Option B, patch management, involves applying software updates and security fixes and does not improve data retrieval performance. Option D, data corruption checks, are integrity and validation operations designed to detect or prevent data loss, not to enhance query performance.
CompTIA DataSys+ emphasizes that performance tuning often involves deliberate resource trade-offs. Index optimization is a prime example: it consumes CPU during maintenance windows to deliver long-term performance benefits during normal database operations. Well-optimized indexes reduce query latency, improve response times, and enhance user experience, especially in read-heavy or reporting environments.
DataSys+ also highlights best practices such as scheduling index maintenance during low-usage periods and monitoring CPU impact to avoid service disruptions. When implemented correctly, index optimization is one of the most effective ways to improve database performance and information retrieval.
Therefore, the CPU-intensive operation that improves database performance and information retrieval is index optimization, making option C the correct and fully verified answer.
