How can PLSQL be used to analyze whether it is using an index?

To analyze whether to use an index, you can utilize the SQL Trace feature provided by Oracle. Here are some steps: 1. Enable SQL Trace.

ALTER SESSION SET SQL_TRACE = TRUE;

2. Run the PL/SQL code that needs to be analyzed.
3. Disable the SQL Trace feature.

ALTER SESSION SET SQL_TRACE = FALSE;

4. Locate the generated trace file on the database server. The location of the trace file can be found in the Oracle parameter file (such as spfile) or in the V$DIAG_INFO view within the database instance.
5. Analyze the trace file using the Oracle-provided trace file analysis tool tkprof. Use the following command:

tkprof tracefile.trc outfile.txt explain=username/password [sys=no]

Please analyze the outfile.txt file to check for index access paths and related statistics. You can examine information such as the number of index accesses, rows, etc. to determine if the index is being utilized. Note: Using the SQL Trace feature in a production environment may have a negative impact on performance, therefore it is recommended to only use it when necessary and promptly disable the SQL Trace feature.