What is typically the goal of a query execution plan?

The goal of a query execution plan is primarily to detail a sequence of steps for executing a database query. This plan serves as a roadmap for the database management system, outlining how to retrieve the required data efficiently. The execution plan includes the specific operations to be performed, such as which tables to access, the order of these operations, the use of indexes, and how to join tables if necessary. By generating an effective execution plan, the database can optimize performance, reduce resource consumption, and minimize the time needed to return the result set.

The other options do not pertain to the primary objective of a query execution plan. Establishing a standard format for storing data relates more to data modeling and structural design rather than execution. Measuring statistical correlation pertains to data analysis rather than query execution. Creating a random sample from a larger set is a method used in statistical sampling and does not reflect the purpose of a query execution plan, which is focused on how to execute queries efficiently rather than on data sampling.