Copy table, with indexes or not?

[wolves]

Situation,
have 1 table call it table 1, with 2 indexes, 22mil rows.

Have another table, table 2 exactly the same fields as table 1,except has a new column, and only half the data (11mil rows). 6 indexes (2 the same from table 1, and 4 new indexes).

Bottom line, I need to make table 1 look like table 2, with all the indexes and the new column.

Trying to figure out, if it's easier to just add the new column to table 1, then add the 4 indexes to the table, which could be long?
Or, can I copy the data from table 1 to table 2, so my indexes stay put, then populated the new column with it's appropriate data?

Any suggestions for a non-dba type person?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SantaMufasa]

Wolves,

Adding a column to a table is virtually instantaneous since the only thing that changes is the data dictionary...no changes occur to the data blocks themselves.

Creating the four new indexes on Table 1 will be faster by just doing the four "CREATE INDEX..." statements than doing the INSERT alternative you mentioned.

Let us know your thoughts.

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)

http://www.dasages.com

Do you use Oracle and live or work in Utah, USA?
Then click here to join Utah Oracle Users Group on Tek-Tips.

 

[wolves]

I figured as much. I Always am on the look out for alternative solutions.
Creating indexes on a table with 22mil rows, will take awhile, but at least it can run itself.

Thanks for helping me think out loud here.