SQL Sentry has released their SQL Sentry Plan Explorer for SQL Server for free; helping users improve working with SQL Server query plans. The tool builds upon SQL Server Management Studio’s graphical plan view but improves efficiency. Improvements from prior v6 version include cost estimates use color scaling, cumulative costs can be shown, new rendering of plans for a condensed view, and a sortable list view for all plan operations.
“We had originally envisioned query analysis features only as part of the fully licensed version of SQL Sentry Performance Advisor,” said Greg Gonzalez, President and CEO of SQL Sentry. “However, the new features are so cool and useful that we wanted to share the tool with anyone that wants it. So, we are making it available to the SQL Server community for free!”