1. A method for facilitating creation and managing of partitioned table indices of a table object of a first partitioning type, the method comprising steps of: automatically looking up a table and its partitioning type definition; retrieving the table index and all indices defined for the table object, and their definitions; presenting to a user a visual representation of at least a portion of the table and the index in a single set of index alter screens; receiving from the user an alter request in the form of a screen option; performing validity checking on the screen option based on index type; if the screen option is not compatible with the index type, automatically overriding the screen option to one that is compatible, and issuing a diagnostic message; if the screen option is valid for the index type, notifying the user by issuing informational messages as to what implicit changes will be made, if any, and specifically what kind of index will, or can be, created based on information gathered about the table object and its index definitions and the changes that are specified for the index; and generating data definition language statements consistent with the screen options.