SQL Server Developer Edition is free for development and testing, not for production. Here are the official download links for every supported version, SQL Server 2017 to SQL Server 2025, with the licensing pages and support end dates. You also get a quick query to check which edition a server runs.
Free Edition Product Key: Developer, Express and Evaluation
A free edition product key tells SQL Server setup which free edition to install: Evaluation, Developer or Express. This post lists the three codes, shows how to pass one to an unattended install and how to check the edition afterwards. It also explains when an Evaluation instance ends.
Choosing a Processor for SQL Server: Count the Licensed Cores
Choosing a processor for SQL Server starts with the license, because SQL Server is licensed per core and the cores you buy decide the bill. This post reads what the server reports, counts the cores that matter, and explains the edition limits and the per-core speed trade. It ends with a way to size cores from measured CPU use.
Finding Edition-Bound Features With sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features
Use sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features before an edition move, inventory databases, and distinguish feature evidence from licensing checks.
Extended Security Updates Explained
Extended Security Updates give eligible older SQL Server releases limited critical security coverage while you complete a migration.
Standard Developer vs Enterprise Developer Edition in SQL Server 2025
Choose Standard Developer or Enterprise Developer in SQL Server 2025, inspect the edition, and test against production features.
SQL Server 2025 Editions: What Express and Standard Can Do Now
Compare SQL Server 2025 editions, inspect Express and Standard limits, identify the installed edition, and review database portability.