what is the difference between index and indexhint in select statement.

While fetching data from the database we use select statement and for better performance in data fetching we use an index/indexhint.

Index: when we use index in select statement it implies that the declare index field should behave as an order by and it is optional for the database to use. Database can use its own preference.

Index hint: it force the DB to use that index for fetch the data whether it is right choice or not.