Should I index an array field in the payload and filter searches by it?

[diegoanvilla]

I am seeking to implement a search functionality that filters results based on an array field in the payload. The payload would contain values such as [11145, 1158, 2458...], and the search would typically involve a single value from the array. However, I am uncertain if this approach is optimal, particularly in light of the fact that as more data is uploaded, it may lead to slower service speeds and increased resource consumption.

[timvisee]

This should be fine, as long as you create a proper payload index on the specific key that would contain the array of values.

Then you can use a simple match filter.

Note that if you search without a vector (using scroll) it will not be able to use any HNSW index.

[sory25]

How could that be that payload index? since qdrant doesn't have array definitions for indexes

[timvisee]

since qdrant doesn't have array definitions for indexes

If you have a structure like this:

{ "key": [1, 2, 4, 8, 16] }

and you create a payload index on "key", it'll index 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 for that point.

That means that array values are supported.

[sory25]

Thanks Tim, so this works for arrays?:
PUT /collections/mycollection/index
{
"field_name": "key",
"field_schema": "integer"
}

[timvisee]

Correct.