Will Visual Studio 2010 combine the express editions into a single product?

Question

I remember in a VS express survey that Microsoft asked whether you'd like to see the express editions merged together into a single express product (i.e. so you could notably do multi-language solutions). I'm unable to locate any specific information on this topic, as my attention has only newly turned to VS2010 now that the beta is out, so I thought I should ask directly ;)

=> So, do any of you know whether there will be a Visual Studio 2010 "the" Express Edition?

Edit: Alternatively, would you like to see it happen? (applies probably less to pro VS devs)

Answer 1

Although there is no info on that topic yet, I think it isn't going to be in the 2010 version, no one has mentioned that, not even in MS blogs and podcasts.

If you ask me, no, I don't like Express Editions to be a single product, I just use an express edition when I want to do some slight coding, I use them because they are so light, a single Express edition will be bulky as VSTS, which I use at work.

Answer 2

Likewise, I haven't seen any mention about what (or even if) the plans are for Express 2010; I hope there is a release, as it is a good way in for the hobbyist (which otherwise will go to other suites, and frankly I think that Express does a good job for the hobbyist).

Keep in mind that the Express editions were released (as separate products) after Visual Studio had shipped as the suite - so if MS made that decision once, I can't think of a reason they wouldn't make the same decision again.

I actually use Express all the time (often alongside VSTS) - I use Express for snippets etc (as it is light and quick), and VSTS for "real" projects.

Would I want them to do it? As long as I can select not to install them (or at least, not to load them)... I want it to stay light and quick ;-p

Answer 3

I think you're missing the point of the express editions. Combining them into a single product means you now have Visual Studio, which is the product they want you to buy.

Answer 4

Sometimes I have several (3-5) VWD Express instances opened at the same time - so I would like to see separate lightweight IDEs as in 2008

Answer 5

Will Visual Studio 2010 combine the express editions into a single product?

No

Will there be a Visual Studio 2010 "the" Express Edition?

Not "the" but there are four express editions, C#, VB, C++ and Web Developer.

Would you like to see it happen?

I would like to be able to integrate VB, C#, etc modules and code in the same project, yes. Given that it all compiles down to .NET it isn't unreasonable to believe it's possible, and as there are several people here working on simple internal utilities in either VB or C# it would be nice to share some of the effort.

VS Express 2010 Beta 2 is now out and they available separately now:

http://www.microsoft.com/express/future/

Direct ISO link containing all four installations:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=167878

Answer 6

Don't forget that Standard edition is no more in VS 2010. So, you get even fewer choices.