Setting PCTFREE for Index segments

[Pratheesh]

Hi all,
I've one doubt, there is no any updations in the Index segment why? why?
should we need to set pctfree 10 or >10
Any good response is appreciateble

[pando]

well pctfree in index does NOT mean exactly as pctfree for tables, index are data structures not heaps like tables

it means space reserved for future updates and inserts of new rows with the appropriate key values

so it is used for INSERTS as well not just updates

this is what metalink suggests

"PCTFREE is only relevant at initial index creation. It causes optimal splitting of the B*-tree in preparation for subsequent growth. The idea is to do as much splitting as possible during initial creation and avoid having to pay the penalty later during insertion into the table. This is what a high PCTFREE setting on an index gives you. However, if your inserted keys are monotonically increasing (say a date/time field) a PCTFREE=0 is best. Only the rightmost index leaf block will be inserted into, so there's no point leaving room in the other leaf blocks at creation time. "

[Orca777]

Hi,
Thanks, this answer gives light too for me!
Orca