Flare index during the rising phase of solar cycle 23

A brief description and results of the flare index (FI) as a measure of solar activity for cycle 23 are given. The calculation of the daily flare index was determined using the final solar flare tables from the National Geophysical Data Center A. The final data of FI are presented in graphical form over the rising activity phase of solar cycle 23. Daily calculated values are available for general use in Kandilli observatory's and NGDC's anonymous ftp servers. The pattern of similar activity indices that arise under different physical conditions during the rising activity phase are compared with the flare index. The north-south asymmetry in the daily flare index data was studied.