Andrei Lepikhov: EXPLAIN Prettier, or Post-Processing Query Plans in Postgres
The article discusses the challenges of interpreting the EXPLAIN command output in PostgreSQL. It highlights the excessive detail in the output that complicates the analysis of query plans. The author proposes a post-processing approach to enhance readability and focus on relevant information.
- ▪The EXPLAIN command in PostgreSQL is used to analyze query performance but often provides too much information.
- ▪Changes in EXPLAIN output between PostgreSQL versions can lead to instability in regression tests.
- ▪The author suggests that a post-processing method could help filter unnecessary details from EXPLAIN output.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
This story started with a book gifted by a colleague. Reading Jimmy Angelakos' «PostgreSQL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them», I realised something that had been bugging me - in Postgres, the EXPLAIN command produces far too much information. The examples that authors typically present when discussing various aspects of database systems make it harder to analyse the problem at hand and distract the reader. That's how the idea of a post-processing for EXPLAIN output was born - to make query plans more readable and problem-focused.Information OverloadAnyone who has worked with PostgreSQL knows the EXPLAIN command, or more precisely EXPLAIN ANALYZE. It is typically used to investigate query performance issues or demonstrate optimisation techniques.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Postgr.
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