Research Approach to Generalized Virtual Indexes in MariaDB

Investigate how to implement generalized virtual indexes so that we can support diverse indexing needs (JSON, vectors, text, custom types) without building separate index types for each.

Scope:

1. Review generalized index frameworks (e.g., PostgreSQL GIN/GiST).
2. Assess extending MariaDB’s handler API vs. new abstraction layer.
3. Identify performance, optimizer, and compatibility impacts.
4. Document pros/cons and example use cases.

Acceptance Criteria:

Research documented with recommended approaches, trade-offs, and open questions.

Provide a recommendation on whether to pursue a prototype.