> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cyborg.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Load Index

Loads and returns an existing `EncryptedIndex` instance based on its name and key.

```python theme={null}
client.load_index(
    index_name,
    index_key
)
```

### Parameters

| Parameter    | Type    | Description               |
| ------------ | ------- | ------------------------- |
| `index_name` | `str`   | Name of an existing index |
| `index_key`  | `bytes` | 32-byte encryption key    |

<Warning>
  The encryption key must exactly match the key used during index creation.
</Warning>

### Returns

An instance of `EncryptedIndex` if the index exists and the key is valid.

### Exceptions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Error">
    * Throws if the index doesn't exist on the server
    * Throws if the encryption key is incorrect or invalid
    * Throws if the encryption key is not exactly 32 bytes
    * Throws if authentication fails (invalid API key)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Network/API Errors">
    * Throws if the API request fails due to network issues
    * Throws if the server returns an HTTP error status
    * Throws if the server is unreachable or times out
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Example Usage

Basic usage of the `load_index` method to retrieve an existing index:

```python theme={null}
from cyborgdb import Client

# Create a client
client = Client(base_url='http://localhost:8000', api_key='your-api-key')

# Provide the same index key used when creating the index
index_key = your_existing_32_byte_key

# Connect to existing index
index = client.load_index("my_index", index_key)
```