> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learnsql.gitbook.io/lernmysql/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learnsql.gitbook.io/lernmysql/how-to-use-describe-and-explain-in-mysql.md).

# How to use DESCRIBE and EXPLAIN in MySQL?

In MySQL, the `DESCRIBE` and `EXPLAIN` statements are synonyms, used either to obtain information about table structure or query execution plans.

**1. To describe a table:**

Even though `DESCRIBE` and `EXPLAIN` statements are synonyms, the `DESCRIBE` statement is used more to obtain information about a table structure while `EXPLAIN` statement is used to obtain a query execution plan.

The `DESCRIBE` statement is a shortcut for `SHOW COLUMN` statement:

```
DESCRIBE table_name;
```

is equivalent to this `SHOW COLUMN` statement:

```
SHOW COLUMNS FROM table_name;
```

Or you can also use the short form of describe:

```
DESC table_name;
```

Those describe statements above show the columns in the table and all their attributes such as name, data type, collation, Nullability, Primary key, default, comment, etc.

Instead of DESCRIBE or DESC, you can use EXPLAIN statement which works the same:

```
EXPLAIN table_name;
```

**2. To describe a query execution plan**

We often use `EXPLAIN`. It provides information about how your SQL database executes a query.

`EXPLAIN` works with `SELECT`, `DELETE`, `INSERT`, `REPLACE`, and `UPDATE` statements. It also requires the SELECT privilege for any tables or views accessed, including any underlying tables of views. For views, EXPLAIN also requires the SHOW VIEW privilege.

```
EXPLAIN SELECT * FROM table_name;
```

In practice, the EXPLAIN statement is used for query optimization. When you have a slow query, it can show you where you should add indexes to speed up, or to check whether the optimizer joins the tables in an optimal order.

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