Graphical execution plans are accessed through the query window inside Management Studio in SQL Server 2005/2008 or through Query Analyzer in SQL Server 2000. To a large degree, the functionality of graphical plans is the same in SQL Server 2000 as it is in SQL Server 2008. However, there are .some fundamental differences. For this reason, the different versions will be discussed individually in order to be more specific to the differences between the versions of SQL Server.

For SQL Server 2008

Estimated Execution Plan

There are several ways to generate an estimated execution plan:

  • Select the "Display Estimated Execution Plan" from the tool bar
  • Right click within the query window and select "Display Estimated Execution Plan"
  • Select the Query menu and then the "Display Estimated Execution Plan" menu choice
  • Press CTL-L

Actual Execution Plan

An actual execution plan requires the query to be executed. To enable the generation of the actual execution plan:

  • Select the "Include Actual Execution Plan" button from the tool bar
  • Right click within the query window and select "Include Actual Execution Plan"
  • Select the Query menu and then the "Include Actual Execution Plan" menu choice
  • Press CTL-M