title: How query execution done in SQL Server 2008
body: <p>I am using SQL Server 2008 and would really like to know how the engine executes queries.</p>
  
  <p>Let's suppose I run this query :</p>
  
  <pre><code>select * from &lt;table1&gt; with(nolock)
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>or same with a join: </p>
  
  <pre><code>select * from &lt;table1&gt; a with(nolock) 
  join &lt;table2&gt; b with(nolock) on a.&lt;column1&gt; = b.&lt;column1&gt; 
  where &lt;some condition&gt;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>How does the query work behind the scene?<br>
  Is there any way to see actual steps that are performed for execution and showing results?</p>