How Do I Get a SQL Server Query Execution Plan?

Retrieving SQL Server Query Execution Plans: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide outlines several methods for obtaining SQL Server query execution plans, each suited to different situations.

Method 1: Leveraging SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SSMS offers a user-friendly approach. Simply enable the "Include Actual Execution Plan" option before executing your query or stored procedure. This generates a visual representation of the execution plan.

Method 2: Utilizing SHOWPLAN Options

Employ the following SHOWPLAN options before running your query:

• SET SHOWPLAN_TEXT ON: Provides an estimated plan without actual query execution.
• SET SHOWPLAN_ALL ON: Displays an estimated plan with cost estimations.
• SET SHOWPLAN_XML ON: Generates an XML-formatted estimated plan.
• SET STATISTICS PROFILE ON: Outputs the actual plan in text format.
• SET STATISTICS XML ON (Recommended): Outputs the actual plan in XML format.

These commands append the execution plan as an additional result set to your query's output.

Method 3: Employing SQL Server Profiler

SQL Server Profiler allows you to create a trace that captures "Showplan XML" events. Execute your query while the trace is active; the execution plan can then be extracted from the captured event data. This is particularly useful for analyzing slow-running queries.

Method 4: Inspecting the Query Cache

Utilize SQL Server Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), such as sys.dm_exec_cached_plans, to examine the query cache for existing execution plans. Note that this method provides estimated plans.

Key Considerations:

• Always retrieve the plan from the database experiencing performance issues.
• Execution plans cannot be captured for encrypted stored procedures.
• Actual execution plans offer more detailed information and statistics compared to estimated plans.

Further Reading:

• Understanding Execution Plans
• Estimated vs. Actual Execution Plans

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