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Hint (SQL)
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<p>In various <a href="/facts/SQL/UjQLJcYm">SQL</a> implementations, a hint is an addition to the SQL standard that instructs the <a href="/facts/Database_engine/w4V0QlqB">database engine</a> on how to execute the query. For example, a hint may tell the engine to use or not to use an <a href="/facts/Index_(database)/TRqmk9It">index</a> (even if the <a href="/facts/Query_optimizer/KsSwxtw8">query optimizer</a> would decide otherwise). </p>