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Export optimized logical plans as executable SQL with EXPLAIN (SQL)

Language: C+++22093 -3839feature
concepts demonstrated
Abstract Syntax Trees (AST) constructionSQL query plan optimizationQuery rewriting and expression simplificationScope and name resolution in SQL
The Issue & Context

DuckDB's existing EXPLAIN output shows operator details but not executable SQL, limiting inspection and tooling that rely on query rewrites and plan structure.

Root Cause Analysis

The internal optimized logical plans were not exposed as standalone SQL queries, making it difficult to analyze, reuse, or isolate parts of optimized queries outside DuckDB's internal representations.

Solution Strategy & Architectural Pattern

Implemented EXPLAIN (SQL) that reconstructs optimized logical plans into executable DuckDB SQL queries, preserving column names, types, and logical semantics, while reflecting optimizer rewrites such as join reordering and expression simplification.

Key Takeaway for Contributors

Exposing optimized plans as executable SQL enables better query analysis, debugging, and tooling without depending on internal plan formats, but requires careful rebinding under current catalog and settings to ensure semantic equivalence.