# Recoll user manual
Introduction

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### Indexing modes

Recoll indexing can be performed along two different modes:

- Periodic (or batch) indexing: indexing takes place at discrete times, by executing the recollindex command. The typical usage is to have a nightly indexing run programmed into your cron file.

- Real time indexing: indexing takes place as soon as a file is created or changed. recollindex runs as a daemon and uses a file system alteration monitor such as inotify, Fam or Gamin to detect file changes.

The choice between the two methods is mostly a matter of preference, and they can be combined by setting up multiple indexes (ie: use periodic indexing on a big documentation directory, and real time indexing on a small home directory). Monitoring a big file system tree can consume significant system resources.

The choice of method and the parameters used can be configured from the recoll GUI: Preferences → Indexing schedule

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