What is the maximum number of documents that can be included in an index by default?

The maximum number of documents that can be included in an index by default is 12 million. This limit is set to ensure optimal performance and manageability within data systems. Large indices can become unwieldy and affect performance; therefore, having a predefined limit helps to maintain efficiency and speed when querying the data. The figure of 12 million reflects a balance between providing sufficient capacity for most use cases while still ensuring that the index remains effective and performant.

In practices that involve managing large datasets, understanding these limits is crucial. Exceeding the maximum index size may require additional data management strategies, such as sharding or creating multiple indices, which can introduce added complexity.

It's important to note that some environments may allow for modifications of these limits through configuration settings, but the default threshold is consistently set at 12 million for standard operations. This illustrates the necessity of being familiar with the system's constraints to effectively plan and execute project management strategies.