What is 'database hint' in SAP BC-ABA - ABAP Runtime Environment?

database hint - Overview

• Component: BC-ABA

• Component Name: ABAP Runtime Environment

• Description: Extension of the SQL standard, which allows it to inform the database system how to execute access. Database hints are usually specific to the database system and release. In ABAP SQL, database hints can be specified using the addition %_HINTS.

database hint - Details

• 
  Key Concepts: 
  A database hint is a special instruction that is used to influence the way the SAP system accesses data in the database. It is used to optimize the performance of a query by providing information about the expected data distribution in the database. 
  
  How to use it: 
  Database hints can be used in ABAP programs to optimize the performance of a query. They are specified in the SELECT statement and can be used to influence the way the SAP system accesses data in the database. For example, a database hint can be used to specify that an index should be used for a certain field or that a certain table should be accessed first. 
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  When using database hints, it is important to ensure that they are used correctly and that they are not causing any performance issues. It is also important to test the performance of queries with and without database hints to ensure that they are actually improving performance. 
  
  Related Information: 
  For more information on using database hints in ABAP programs, please refer to the SAP documentation on BC-ABA ABAP Runtime Environment.