SQL Server professionals often send me email asking about where can they download the full version of SQL Server for their own development. Microsoft only provides evalution version of its enterprise software (full version). The evaluation version is bound by time and it expires when the time trial is over. This does not work out well when developers want to install the SQL Server into their local machine and try out various features of SQL Server. Additionally, many organizations when they are developing an application do not purchase a full version of the SQL Server. They often prefer to install a free version of the SQL Server and utilize that.
Microsoft does have Express Edition for free but there are many limitations to the product. Additionally, the Express Edition does not have all the features which any enterprise would love to have. Unfortunately Microsoft does not have a full version of SQL Server for developers. However, one can for sure purchase SQL Server Developer Edition for USD 59.95 from Microsoft store. It includes all the functionality of the Enterprise edition, but is licensed for use as a development and test system, not as a production server. SQL Server Developer is an ideal choice for people who build and test applications.
Remember you can’t use this version in your production server but it is a great product to test out various new SQL Server Features.
Update: You can Download SQL SERVER 2016 Developer Edition for FREE
Reference : Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)
7 Comments. Leave new
This looks good.
Does anyone know from whom I might be able to purchase a download of this edition as a UK customer?
A bit of googling reveals a handful of UK resellers that sell it boxed, but no downloads.
You can get the Developer Edition of SQL Server 2012 for $45 at amazon.com, $15 cheaper than from the Microsoft store.
may i get developer edition 2008R2 ?
The title of this post says “Download”, but I don’t see a download option on the Microsoft store or anywhere else.
Hi Pinal
I want to know if the version here is an electronic copy download
Hi,
I tried to purchase a copy from Amazon.com but it says that delivery is not possible since I am living in Malaysia. Some said I can get it from MSDN Subscription, but I can see that the subscription is pretty expensive for me. I wanted to use the edition for the hands-on on the DB Engine and BI tools. Hope you can suggest on how can i get a copy. Thanks.
Is SQL Server 2012 developer edition is compatible for Crystal reports tool.