llms.txt

# SQL Server Performance Studio

> Free, open-source SQL Server execution plan analyzer by Erik Darling (Darling Data, LLC). Cross-platform desktop GUI (Avalonia) and CLI tool with 30 analysis rules that identify memory grants, row estimate mismatches, missing indexes, spills, parallel skew, parameter sniffing, implicit conversions, and more. Built-in MCP server for AI-assisted plan analysis. SSMS extension for one-click plan transfer. Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. MIT licensed.

- Analyzes .sqlplan XML files or captures plans live from SQL Server
- 30 rules covering memory, estimates, indexes, parallelism, joins, filters, functions, parameters, patterns, compilation, objects, and operators
- Query Store browser with search by identifier, multi-plan history charting, and in-line bar charts
- CLI supports batch processing of .sql file directories with JSON and text output
- Built-in MCP server with 13 tools for plan analysis and Query Store data
- SSMS 18-22 extension adds "Open in Performance Studio" context menu

## Documentation

- [README](https://github.com/erikdarlingdata/PerformanceStudio/blob/main/README.md): Complete documentation including quick start, CLI reference, analysis rules, MCP server setup, and platform support
- [Releases](https://github.com/erikdarlingdata/PerformanceStudio/releases): Download pre-built binaries for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- [Examples](https://github.com/erikdarlingdata/PerformanceStudio/tree/main/examples): Sample queries, plans, and analysis output

## Optional

- [License](https://github.com/erikdarlingdata/PerformanceStudio/blob/main/LICENSE): MIT License
- [Third-party notices](https://github.com/erikdarlingdata/PerformanceStudio/blob/main/THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.md): License information for bundled components