SQL Server 2005 Developer version vs Express version
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Some time ago I download a SQL Server 2005 developer version. I went back to MSDN website and it did not have the developer version anymore instead it had the express version.
I wanted to install SQL Server 2005 in one of my home computer, which version should I install?
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It depends what you want to do. The big picture: the developer version is a complete version of SQL Server, but can't be used in production. The express version is a much smaller version with a number of restrictions, but it can be used in production. The express version is a replacement for the MDSE. I personally have the developer version on my home computer. It allows me to practice various aspects of SQL Server. As I have no plans to put anything in production, I don't have it's primary disadvantage.
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The Express version is also free, where as the developer edition costs $50.00 (USD). If you are using it to learn and develop skills, spend the $50.oo and order the developer edition from Microsoft. I think it has been one of the best investments I have made.
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Keep in mind - MSDE = SQL2000 versus SQLExpress = SQL 2005. There are also multiple "download points" for SQLExpress - you want to steer towards "SQLExpress with advanced services".
Both have some limitations, though not the same ones it seems. That being said - you CAN run both on the same machine. Yes, at the same time. Yes - they can be linked servers to each other (well - the 2005 seems to link to the 2000 - not so sure about the reverse). I'd like some pie AND some cake for dessert today, and yes - I will eat them both, please
.As to paying for it - why pay for it when you can get it for free? You need to look for MSDE Release A.
The install of MDSERelA is a bit confusing - read the readme before hammering on it and getting the very odd security error.
Of course - there might have been something else in addition to MSDE itself for the 50$.
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Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my part...unless you're my manager...or a director and above...or a really loud-spoken end-user..All right - what was my emergency again? -
A datawarehouse developer have no use of SQL Server Express Advanced services included because you only have access to a limited Reporting services. The developer edition is the Enterprise edition with no deployment restriction so you can use SSIS, SSRS and SSAS which includes prediction modeling and dimension modeling. You don't have to buy it from Microsoft because web retailers sell it for much less. Check the link below for the developer edition for under $40. Hope this helps.
http://www.provantage.com/microsoft-e32-00575~4MCSB0EX.htm
Kind regards,
Gift Peddie -
That explains it - we have "EVIL TWINS" going on. Two different products with the same acronym.
The "old" version of the product called MSDE is what's called Microsoft SQL DESKTOP edition. That's the one that was (and is) downloadable, and the one that was replaced by SQL Server Express Edition. That's not to be confused with MS Developer edition, which has the capabilities of enterprise edition, isn't free, can't be downloaded and can't be redistributed..
I guess I latched on to the "downloadable part" and ran with it.
They do have different capabilities - that's for sure. Which one is most useful - I'll leave that up to the Loner to decide for herself.
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Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my part...unless you're my manager...or a director and above...or a really loud-spoken end-user..All right - what was my emergency again? -
For professional development, I put my money on SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition. Very inexpensive, very powerful, and worth the money. You get the x32 bit version, the x64 bit version, and the IA64 (Itanium) version for little money. Of course, not everyone may have all three systems available, but it sure is handy should you find yourself in a position to have one available.
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I think Developer edition is what you need to learn about SQL Server and do work against it. Express is more of a final version for a particular app, not general learning.
Keep in mind the Dev edition will have features not necessarily on all versions. So make sure if you are working with some feature, you are targeting the correct final platform for the features you need.
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