Execution Plan for Newbies

  • Can anyone recommend a resource which explains how to analyze the execution plan, IN NOOB ENGLISH?

    I'm doing a silly "keep my mind sharp" project, how many ways to show the last n records of a table, from the simple to the totally absurd.

    TIA

    Alan

  • Don't know about the noob part, but http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/books/65831

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • In the books section on the left, you'll find a book by Grant Fritchey called SQL Server Execution Plans. An excellent walkthrough on most of the things you'll encounter in a plan, and it's free, to boot, so thank RedGate and Grant for that one. 🙂


    - Craig Farrell

    Never stop learning, even if it hurts. Ego bruises are practically mandatory as you learn unless you've never risked enough to make a mistake.

    For better assistance in answering your questions[/url] | Forum Netiquette
    For index/tuning help, follow these directions.[/url] |Tally Tables[/url]

    Twitter: @AnyWayDBA

  • the thing is that execution plan analysis isn't that simple. Grant's book is good, but it's some work to get through.

    You might think about

    - look to convert scans to seeks

    - check for indexes missing in the plans.

  • Thanks for the leads...Grant's book is exactly what I was looking for.

  • You might want to check out the following free tool from SQL Sentry

    http://www.sqlsentry.com/plan-explorer/sql-server-query-view.asp

    Brian

    Brian Kukowski
  • If you're not sure what to look for, then consider using the DTA (Database Engine Tuning Advisor) tool to analyze your query.

    "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Instead, seek what they sought." - Matsuo Basho

  • Eric M Russell (4/4/2011)


    If you're not sure what to look for, then consider using the DTA (Database Engine Tuning Advisor) tool to analyze your query.

    But take all of its recommendations with a really large pinch of salt and test them all before you consider implementing any of them.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • I strongly second the recommendation for Grant's fine book. It's an easy read and Grant clearly explains just about everything you ever wanted to know about execution plans so that even NOOB's find it interesting and helpful.

    --Jeff Moden


    RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
    First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
    ________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

    Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.


    Helpful Links:
    How to post code problems
    How to Post Performance Problems
    Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

  • Brian Kukowski (4/3/2011)


    You might want to check out the following free tool from SQL Sentry

    http://www.sqlsentry.com/plan-explorer/sql-server-query-view.asp

    Brian

    Certainly a great recommendation.

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
    Learn Extended Events

  • Thanks again all. I am going through Grant's e-book. At the rate I'm going, I'll have this little side project done in the year 2025, but, hey, at least it's a firm delivery date.

    ab

  • alan.berger (4/7/2011)


    Thanks again all. I am going through Grant's e-book. At the rate I'm going, I'll have this little side project done in the year 2025, but, hey, at least it's a firm delivery date.

    ab

    And all the better if you deliver early 😀

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
    Learn Extended Events

Viewing 12 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply