How Can I Get a SQL Server Query Execution Plan?

Retrieving SQL Server Query Execution Plans: A Comprehensive Guide

Several methods exist for obtaining a query execution plan in Microsoft SQL Server, each suited to different situations.

Method 1: Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

1. In the SSMS Query menu, enable "Include Actual Execution Plan."
2. Execute your query or stored procedure.
3. A dedicated "Execution plan" tab will display the plan within the results pane.

Method 2: Leveraging SHOWPLAN Options

Before running your query, execute one of these commands:

• SET SHOWPLAN_TEXT ON
• SET SHOWPLAN_ALL ON
• SET SHOWPLAN_XML ON
• SET STATISTICS PROFILE ON
• SET STATISTICS XML ON (Recommended)

The execution plan will then be included in the query's result set, formatted as specified.

Method 3: Utilizing SQL Server Profiler

1. Configure a trace within SQL Server Profiler, ensuring the "Showplan XML" event is enabled.
2. Run the query while the trace is active.
3. The generated XML plan can then be extracted from the profiler trace file.

Method 4: Inspecting the Query Cache

1. Query the sys.dm_exec_cached_plans Dynamic Management View (DMV) to access cached query plans.
2. Filter the results to pinpoint the desired plan.
3. Extract the plan's XML representation from the query results.

Important Considerations:

• Always retrieve plans from the target database for accuracy.
• Plans for encrypted stored procedures cannot be captured.
• Actual execution plans offer greater detail than estimated plans.

Further Reading:

• Execution Plan Fundamentals
• SHOWPLAN Permissions and Transact-SQL Batches
• Analyzing the SQL Server Plan Cache

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