How does the SQL Server that comes with Visual Studio differ from the full one?

Question

How does the SQL Server that comes with Visual Studio differ from the full one?

And will I be able to use it to create a simple database for collecting metrics from a tool that I'm writing?

What's the easiest way of getting a console up where I can type insert/select/create etc?

Answer 1

SQL Express, which comes with Visual Studio, only supports up to 4GB of data, 1GB of RAM, and 1 CPU. It also doesn't include Analysis Services or Integration Services.

However, you can download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which is the "console" you asked for, as a free add-on for SQL Express. You can also download Reporting Services, if you need it.

See:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=08E52AC2-1D62-45F6-9A4A-4B76A8564A2B&displaylang=en

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=7522A683-4CB2-454E-B908-E805E9BD4E28&displaylang=en

Otherwise, the relational engine itself is basically identical to the one used in SQL Standard (there are a few additional minor differences). SQL Express is not throttled from a performance perspective.

Answer 2

You'll find the details here at Microsoft SQL Server Editions. The version shipped with Visual Studio is Express under the Free Editions.