Description: Incremental statistics are a mechanism used in databases to optimize the performance of SQL queries. These statistics are updated incrementally as data changes, allowing the query optimizer to make more informed decisions about how to execute a query in the most efficient way possible. Unlike full statistics, which require a comprehensive analysis of the entire table, incremental statistics focus on recent changes, reducing the time and resources needed to keep the information up to date. This approach is particularly useful in environments where data is frequently modified, as it allows the optimizer to access relevant information without the overhead of recalculating statistics completely. In summary, incremental statistics are a key tool for improving the efficiency of SQL queries, ensuring that the optimizer can utilize updated data without incurring unnecessary performance costs.
