Modifying a SQL Query Execution Plan

If you decide that you want to modify a query plan, you can only modify the query plan that exists in the system PLAN table.

See Viewing a Query Plan from the System PLAN Table.

Once you do modify the query plan, it does not replace the query plan, but creates a new query plan with your changes.

The following sections describe why you may want to modify execution plans and then how to modify them:

• Why Modify an Execution Plan?

• How Hints Can Influence an Execution Plan

• Use Optimizer Hints to Modify the Execution Plan