Re: best practices with index on varchar column

> Can I use an index on a varchar column to optimize the SELECT queries
> that
> use " column LIKE 'header%' "?

Yes

> If yes what is the best tree algotithm to use ?

Btree

Note that if you want case insensitive matching you need to make an index
on lower(column) and SELECT WHERE lower(column) LIKE 'header%'

Locales may bite you.