A system and method that enhances the index processing performance of a multi-layer relational database manager by expanding the code generation component layer of the database manager to include an index processing performance enhancing subroutine designed to execute functions performed by lower component layers substantially faster than if the functions were executed by such lower component layers. The subroutine includes logic for establishing the conditions under which the particular subroutine is invoked during the execution of a SQL request. The output code generated to execute a specific SQL query, including calls to the index processing subroutine in place of normally included calls to the lower component layer. This enables the generated code to perform lower component layer functions with specialized code designed to increase performance.