Index vs. Catalogue — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Index lists items or terms found within a document, book, or system, usually pointing to where they are located, while a catalogue is a systematic list of items, often described in detail, used for organizing collections or items for reference or sale.
Difference Between Index and Catalogue
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
An index is typically found at the end of books or documents, providing a list of keywords along with page numbers to help readers find specific information quickly. In contrast, a catalogue compiles items or products in a structured format, offering descriptions and sometimes images, which is particularly useful in libraries and stores for item organization and retrieval.
Indexes are designed to enhance the usability of a document by allowing quick access to specific sections based on terms or topics. On the other hand, catalogues serve a broader purpose, not only aiding in finding items but also in advertising them, especially in the context of sales or library collections.
An index is often concise, focusing solely on keywords and their locations within the primary source. Whereas, a catalogue may include additional details like descriptions, prices, authors, or conditions, providing a more comprehensive overview of each item.
The creation of an index is generally a more straightforward process, involving the identification and listing of key terms after a document’s content is finalized. Catalogues, however, require careful planning and organization from the outset, as they often serve as guides to collections and must be meticulously curated to be effective.
Indexes are primarily used in academic, legal, or informational texts to facilitate research and navigation. Catalogues, however, are used in a variety of settings, from libraries and museums to retail and online shopping platforms, indicating their versatility in different fields.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Directs to information within a source
Lists items systematically for reference or sale
Detail Level
Minimal, keywords and page numbers
Detailed, includes descriptions, images, etc.
Placement
Typically at the end of a text
Can be a standalone publication or part of a collection
Usage Context
Academic, legal, informational texts
Libraries, stores, online platforms
Creation Timing
After main content is completed
Planned as part of item organization strategy
Compare with Definitions
Index
A list at the end of a book displaying keywords and the pages they are mentioned on.
The book’s index lists photosynthesis on pages 114, 118, and 123.
Catalogue
A complete list of items, often in a systematic order, usually descriptive material.
The library catalogue lists all books and journals available for lending.
Index
A directory used by a search engine to facilitate quick retrieval of information.
Search engines use an index to store and retrieve web pages based on keywords.
Catalogue
A publication containing details and often photographs of items for sale.
The holiday season catalogue features a wide range of themed gifts.
Index
A numerical scale used to compare variables, such as economic data or weather conditions.
The drought index has reached critical levels this summer.
Catalogue
A database or collection of information about objects in a library, museum, or other collections.
The digital catalogue makes it easier to search through historical archives.
Index
A pointer or indicator in computer programming that refers to positions in an array or list.
The array index out of bounds exception occurs when the index does not exist.
Catalogue
A methodical classification of items or data in any field or format.
The museum’s artefact catalogue is meticulously detailed.
Index
A system used to indicate changes in the level of some effect, condition, or phenomenon.
The consumer price index measures changes in the price level of a market basket of consumer goods and services.
Catalogue
In astronomy, a list of stars, galaxies, or other celestial bodies with detailed data.
The star catalogue helps astronomers locate celestial objects easily.
Index
An alphabetized list of names, places, and subjects treated in a printed work, giving the page or pages on which each item is mentioned.
Catalogue
A list or itemized display, as of titles, course offerings, or articles for exhibition or sale, usually including descriptive information or illustrations.
Index
A thumb index.
Catalogue
A publication, such as a book or pamphlet, containing such a list or display
A catalog of fall fashions.
A seed catalog.
Index
A table, file, or catalog.
Catalogue
A list or enumeration
A catalog of complaints.
Index
(Computers) A list of keywords associated with a record or document, used especially as an aid in searching for information.
Catalogue
A card catalog.
Index
Something that reveals or indicates; a sign
"Her face ... was a fair index to her disposition" (Samuel Butler).
Catalogue
To make an itemized list of
Catalog a record collection.
Index
A character (☞) used in printing to call attention to a particular paragraph or section. Also called hand.
Catalogue
To list or include in a catalog.
Index
An indicator or pointer, as on a scientific instrument.
Catalogue
To classify (a book or publication, for example) according to a categorical system.
Index
(Mathematics) A number or symbol, often written as a subscript or superscript to a mathematical expression, that indicates an operation to be performed, an ordering relation, or a use of the associated expression.
Catalogue
To make a catalog.
Index
A number derived from a formula, used to characterize a set of data.
Catalogue
To be listed in a catalog
An item that catalogs for 200 dollars.
Index
A statistical value that represents the price or value of an aggregate of goods, services, wages, or other measurable quantities in comparison with a reference number for a previous period of time.
Catalogue
A systematic list of books, names, pictures, etc.
Index
A number that represents the change in price or value of stocks or other securities in a particular market, sector, or asset class.
Catalogue
A complete (usually alphabetical) list of items.
Index
The stocks or other securities represented by an index.
Catalogue
A list of all the publications in a library.
Index
Index Roman Catholic Church A list formerly published by Church authority, restricting or forbidding the reading of certain books.
Catalogue
A retailer's magazine detailing the products they sell, allowing the reader to order them for delivery.
Index
To furnish with an index
Index a book.
Catalogue
(US) A book printed periodically by a college, university, or other institution that gives a definitive description of the institution, its history, courses and degrees offered, etc.
Index
To enter in an index.
Catalogue
A directory listing.
Index
To indicate or signal.
Catalogue
(music) A complete list of a recording artist's or a composer's songs.
Index
To adjust through indexation.
Catalogue
A series of unwelcome or unpleasant things, often similar.
Index
An alphabetical listing of items and their location.
The index of a book lists words or expressions and the pages of the book upon which they are to be found.
Catalogue
To put into a catalogue.
Index
The index finger; the forefinger.
Catalogue
To make a catalogue of.
Index
A movable finger on a gauge, scale, etc.
Catalogue
To add items (e.g. books) to an existing catalogue.
Index
(typography) A symbol resembling a pointing hand, used to direct particular attention to a note or paragraph.
Catalogue
(philately) to value or sort stamps using a catalogue
Index
That which points out; that which shows, indicates, manifests, or discloses.
Catalogue
A list or enumeration of names, or articles arranged methodically, often in alphabetical order; as, a catalogue of the students of a college, or of books, or of the stars.
Index
A sign; an indication; a token.
Catalogue
To make a list or catalogue; to insert in a catalogue.
Index
(linguistics) A type of noun where the meaning of the form changes with respect to the context; e.g., 'Today's newspaper' is an indexical form since its referent will differ depending on the context. See also icon and symbol.
Catalogue
A complete list of things; usually arranged systematically;
It does not pretend to be a catalogue of his achievements
Index
(economics) A single number calculated from an array of prices or of quantities.
Catalogue
A book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things;
He found it in the Sears catalog
Index
(science) A number representing a property or ratio; a coefficient.
Catalogue
Make a catalog of
Index
(mathematics) A raised suffix indicating a power.
Catalogue
Make a catalogue, compile a catalogue of something
Index
An integer or other key indicating the location of data, e.g. within an array, vector, database table, associative array, or hash table.
Index
A data structure that improves the performance of operations on a table.
Index
(obsolete) A prologue indicating what follows.
Index
(transitive) To arrange an index for something, especially a long text.
MySQL does not index short words and common words.
Index
To inventory; to take stock.
Index
To normalise in order to account for inflation; to correct for inflation by linking to a price index in order to maintain real levels.
Index
To measure by an associated value.
Index
To be indexical for (some situation or state of affairs); to indicate.
Index
(computing) To access a value in a data container by an index.
Index
That which points out; that which shows, indicates, manifests, or discloses; as, the increasing unemployment rate is an index of how much the economy has slowed.
Tastes are the indexes of the different qualities of plants.
Index
That which guides, points out, informs, or directs; a pointer or a hand that directs to anything, as the hand of a watch, a movable finger or other form of pointer on a gauge, scale, or other graduated instrument.
Index
A table for facilitating reference to topics, names, and the like, in a book, usually giving the page on which a particular word or topic may be found; - usually alphabetical in arrangement, and printed at the end of the volume. Typically found only in non-fiction books.
Index
A prologue indicating what follows.
Index
The second finger, that next to the pollex (thumb), in the manus, or hand; the forefinger; index finger.
Index
The figure or letter which shows the power or root of a quantity; the exponent.
Index
The ratio, or formula expressing the ratio, of one dimension of a thing to another dimension; as, the vertical index of the cranium.
Index
A number providing a measure of some quantity derived by a formula, usually a form of averaging, from multiple quantities; - used mostly in economics; as, the index of leading indicators; the index of industrial production; the consumer price index. See, for example, the consumer price index.
Index
A file containing a table with the addresses of data items, arranged for rapid and convenient search for the addresses.
Index
A number which serves as a label for a data item and also represents the address of a data item within a table or array.
Index
The Index prohibitorius, a catalogue of books which are forbidden by the church to be read; also called Index of forbidden books and Index Librorum Prohibitorum.
Index
To provide with an index or table of references; to put into an index; as, to index a book, or its contents.
Index
To adjust (wages, prices, taxes, etc.) automatically so as to compensate for changes in prices, usually as measured by the consumer price index or other economic measure. Its purpose is usually to copensate for inflation.
Index
To insert (a word, name, file folder, etc.) into an index or into an indexed arrangement; as, to index a contract under its date of signing.
Index
A numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number
Index
A number or ratio (a value on a scale of measurement) derived from a series of observed facts; can reveal relative changes as a function of time
Index
A mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself
Index
An alphabetical listing of names and topics along with page numbers where they are discussed
Index
The finger next to the thumb
Index
List in an index
Index
Provide with an index;
Index the book
Index
Adjust through indexation;
The government indexes wages and prices
Common Curiosities
What kind of information does a catalogue typically include?
Catalogues include detailed descriptions, prices, images, and sometimes historical information about the items listed.
Can an index include links to online content?
Yes, in digital formats, indexes can include hyperlinks to specific sections or documents online.
What is the main purpose of an index?
An index helps users locate specific information within a book or document quickly by listing keywords and their corresponding page numbers.
Where would you typically find an index?
An index is typically found at the end of books, scholarly articles, or reports.
Can both indexes and catalogues be digital?
Yes, both can exist in digital formats, offering dynamic searching and browsing capabilities.
Is a catalogue only used for selling products?
No, catalogues are also used in libraries, museums, and online databases to organize and present collections systematically.
What is an example of an index in a non-book format?
Legal databases often use indexes to organize statutes, case laws, and regulations for easy retrieval.
What skills are needed to compile a catalogue?
Detailed knowledge of the items, organizational skills, and often, expertise in database management are required to compile a catalogue.
How does a catalogue differ from an index?
A catalogue lists items systematically, often with descriptions and images, and is used for organizing and potentially selling items, unlike an index which simply directs to information within a text.
Why are catalogues important in libraries?
Catalogues help patrons locate books, media, and other materials quickly in a library’s extensive collection.
What tools are used to create an index?
Indexing software and manual editing by authors or editors are common tools used to create an index.
How important is the design of a catalogue?
Design is crucial in catalogues, especially in retail, as it impacts how effectively items are presented and marketed to potential buyers.
How often are indexes updated?
Indexes are typically updated with new editions of texts or as needed in digital formats to reflect content changes.
Are there different types of catalogues?
Yes, there are several types, including trade catalogues, auction catalogues, and library catalogues, each serving different purposes.
What is a unique use of catalogues outside of sales or libraries?
In scientific research, catalogues are used to maintain detailed records of specimens and samples, aiding in study and analysis.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Blueish vs. Bluish
Next Comparison
Supporting vs. SupportedAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
