  We describe a new deep learning approach to cardinality estimation. MSCN is a
multi-set convolutional network, tailored to representing relational query
plans, that employs set semantics to capture query features and true
cardinalities. MSCN builds on sampling-based estimation, addressing its
weaknesses when no sampled tuples qualify a predicate, and in capturing
join-crossing correlations. Our evaluation of MSCN using a real-world dataset
shows that deep learning significantly enhances the quality of cardinality
estimation, which is the core problem in query optimization.
