Why sp_prepare Isn’t as “Good” as sp_executesql for Performance

Erik Darling shows how execution plan estimates suffer.

Comparing Execution Plans

Retrieving SQL Server Query Execution Plans

Execution plans explain all you need to know about query performance, and how to fine-tune. Sure, you can see them in SSMS, but what if you need to drill into to the important details? What about using DMVs, Extended Events or SET statements to get at the execution plans? To get the best use of execution plans you need to be able to get right information from the right plan at the right time. Robert Sheldon explains how.

Troubleshooting a painful query using execution plans in SQL Monitor

When something's wrong with your database you need to be able to identify the primary pain points within SQL Server and get to the root cause of the problem fast. Grant Fritchey explains how you can use execution plans inside SQL Monitor to help quickly and simply identify the problem.

Big plans

Join operators, part 3 - performance

Join operators, part 2 - limitations

Join operators, part 1 - terminology

Pass Through

Operator Description