MySQL Visual EXPLAIN

About MySQL Visual EXPLAIN

MySQL Visual EXPLAIN is an API for submitting MySQL EXPLAIN output for analysis and visualization. It accepts a query along with its EXPLAIN FORMAT=JSON and, optionally, EXPLAIN FORMAT=TREE output (the latter available since MySQL 8.0.16), and returns a URL to a hosted, shareable visualization of the explain plan. The API supports MySQL 5.6 and above and includes rate limiting, reporting limits and remaining request counts via response headers.

The service also provides an oEmbed endpoint for generating iframe embed code for a given EXPLAIN plan URL, allowing the visualization to be embedded on external websites. Embed requests can specify maximum width and height and whether a fullscreen button is shown, and the response includes both ready-made HTML and a raw embed URL for building custom iframe code.

It is intended for developers who want to analyze, visualize, and share MySQL query execution plans, including embedding them in blog posts, documentation, or other web pages.

Key features

• Submit MySQL EXPLAIN FORMAT=JSON or FORMAT=TREE output for visual analysis
• Generates a shareable URL for each EXPLAIN plan
• Provides an oEmbed endpoint to embed EXPLAIN plans as an iframe on a website
• Resizable embed iframe with optional fullscreen button
• Supports MySQL version 5.6 and above

Frequently asked questions