@Viswa, the best way to influence performance and optimize the explain plan is to make sure you have updated table statistics. Hive doesn't provide an auto update stat option so if there are significant table changes, you'll want to periodically update the statistics. Also be sure you've turned on the Cost Based Optimizer (CBO). Hive has a CBO and a rule based optimizer - you'll want both. Finally, another benefit to analyze table is if you are using LLAP then ANALYZE table will cache the table. Also, a broadcast edge means there was a broadcast join.
... View more
