Description: Updating statistics is the process by which the data that the SQL optimizer uses to determine the best way to execute a query is renewed. These statistics include information about the distribution of data in tables, such as the number of rows, the cardinality of columns, and the distribution of values. By keeping these statistics up to date, the optimizer’s ability to choose the most efficient execution plans is improved, which can result in significantly better query performance. Statistics are automatically generated in many database management systems but can also be manually updated by database administrators. This process is crucial in environments where data changes frequently, as decisions made by the optimizer based on outdated statistics can lead to inefficient resource usage and slower response times. In summary, updating statistics is an essential practice in SQL query optimization, ensuring that the database management system operates optimally and efficiently.
