1. A computer-based method for estimating a query compilation time of a query optimizer, said computer-based method implemented in computer readable program code stored in computer memory, said computer-based method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a query; (b) iterating through possible join pairs for said query; (c) for each join pair, identifying a set of differentiating properties and using said identified set of differentiating properties to calculate number of join plans, said number of join plans are calculated for any join type selected from a group consisting of: nested loops join (NLJN), sort merge join (MGJN), and hash join (HSJN); (d) estimating the compilation time from said calculated number of join plans for each type of join method; (e) outputting the estimated compilation time; and wherein plan generation in said query optimizer is by passed.