Histograms are used to predict cardinality and the number of rows returned to a query .The Oracle Query Optimizer uses histograms to predict better query plans. The ANALYZE command or DBMS_STATS package can be used to compute these histograms.A histogram is a frequency distribution meta-data that describes the distribution of data values within a column of a table.A histogram is a collection of information about the distribution of values within a column.
In some cases, the distribution of values within a column of a table will affect the optimizers decision to use an index vs. perform a full-table scan. This scenario occurs when the value with a where clause has a disproportional amount of values, making a full-table scan cheaper than index access.
Histograms are also important for determine the optimal table join order.
In some cases, the distribution of values within a column of a table will affect the optimizers decision to use an index vs. perform a full-table scan. This scenario occurs when the value with a where clause has a disproportional amount of values, making a full-table scan cheaper than index access.
Histograms are also important for determine the optimal table join order.
