Tod means Fox

I often need a quick execution plan reference for query optimization in SQL Server 2005 that gives me a definition of the icon and a link to more details. The resource on page ms175913.aspx from the msdn website is very helpful but a bit incomplete.

For my personal use, I compiled the following document. I include the description of each plan icon and removed all items that do not exist in SQL Server 2005. The letters under the item name represent its type (N/A=none; P = Physical, L = Logical). If the item has any important optional Arguments, they are listed under the type. To keep the document short, details on optional arguments are not included.

You can download the document: ‘Graphical Execution Plan Notes‘. It is a zip file that contains a single Word document. If you have any suggestions on how to improve it, let me know!

Here’s a preview:

And here are some links to other blogs that discuss query optimization in SQL Server:

• SQL Server Optimization Tips
• SQL Server Query Optimization
• SQL Server Query Execution Plan Analysis Part1/4 (but you should see all 4 parts!)
• SQL Server Indexes: The Basics
• Forcing the optimizer to execute the query in a specific order
• SQL SERVER - Actual Execution Plan vs. Estimated Execution Plan

And a great book:
Inside Microsoft® SQL Server(TM) 2005: Query Tuning and Optimization

The document can be downloaded here, or on my download page. I hope you find this useful!