How are indexes used in SAP HANA?

Indexes in SAP HANA are fundamentally utilized to enhance query performance by enabling faster data access. When a database query is executed, the system needs to search through large tables to retrieve the requested data. Indexes create a structured representation of the data that allows the database engine to find the relevant information more efficiently, rather than scanning the entire table.

This significantly decreases the amount of time and resources needed to execute queries, especially in scenarios where large volumes of data are involved. Indexes are particularly beneficial for speeding up read operations and are crucial for scenarios where databases must deliver real-time analytics and fast response times.

The other options focus on characteristics that are not the primary function of indexes in a database context. Data storage capacity relates more to how data is physically stored rather than accessed. The notion of enhancing security measures pertains to controlling access and permissions rather than optimizing query execution. Lastly, restricting user access to data is more about permissions and security policies, not derived directly from indexing techniques. Thus, the role of indexes in improving performance through efficient data retrieval is a critical aspect of their function in SAP HANA.