SQL Server 2008 R2 Express or Developer?

[dtytfyiutiufg]

I am looking to learn MS SQL (together with C#) but was wondering which version I should install?

I have Developer via Dreamspark so just wondered if I would be better off installing the Developer edition over Express for the additional features and similarity to SQL Standard edition.

[garethevans1986]

The minimum you need is SQL Express + SQL Management Studio.

GE

[dtytfyiutiufg]

Yeah I am aware of the minimum I need I was just wondering if using a full version of SQL Server instead of the Express edition would be a better idea for learning? I am new to C# however will be working with SQL data sources soon and figure that in the "real world" I will be working with SQL Server Standard or above for most things so the Developer version seems like a better choice?

[Kami-]

Yes much better; especially if you plan to use SQL in an enterprise/business environment some day.

Express is free (to everyone) for a reason.

[BGM]

get express if yo uare literally just starting out, dev will have so many features you will never use.

then... move to dev and start using some of the advanced features. it has the same stuff as enterprise, just you are not allowed to use it in production :)

good luck.