The user can use EXPLAIN statements to find out which search strategy the system is using to perform the specified SELECT statement. For an explanation of all search strategies, see the List of All Search Strategies.

• For a complete syntax description for the EXPLAIN statement, see the Reference Manual: SAP DB 7.4, under EXPLAIN Statement.
• Result of the cost determination for a search strategy: You can find this in the PAGECOUNT column of the EXPLAIN statement output
• Special features for an EXPLAIN statement for joins
• Special features for an EXPLAIN statement for complicated SELECT statements
• Special features for an EXPLAIN statement for SELECT statements with subqueries
• Explanation of the EXPLAIN Statement: Columns O,D,T,M