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Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition

You've probably already heard by now about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition.  It's the next evolution of MSDE 2000. 

Here's the Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition:

  1. Integrated common language runtime (CLR) support. Stored procedures and functions can be written using your favorite programming language.
  2. Native XML support.
  3. XCopy support for moving databases from one location to another.
  4. Robust and reliable installation using either graphical user interface (GUI) or silent modes.
  5. Automated servicing and patching.
  6. Deep integration with Visual Studio to provide access to rich data controls like the DataGridView, DataNavigator, and DataConnector.
  7. Support for databases up to 4GB.
  8. Support for disconnected systems with SQL Server Service Broker and Replication.
  9. SQL Server Express Manager, a new, easy-to-use database management and query analysis tool (available August 2004).
  10. Easier deployment via Visual Studio ClickOnce (available in Beta 3).

I was going to wait to start looking at SQL Server 2005 when it becomes available for download in the next few weeks for the MSDN subscribers, but I'll probably install Express Edition tomorrow.  It allows you to easily upgrade to the other editions anyway.

Legacy Comments


Valter Borges
2004-06-29
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
Some of the best parts are missing the ETL/DTS improvements which looked great in Beta1 and the BI Workbench, Reporting Services.

However, for free it's pretty powerfull.

eyechart
2004-06-29
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
keep in mind this is still a beta

Derrick Leggett
2004-06-30
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
For free it's already much better the MSDE. Woo Hoo. Has anyone downloaded the Beta for Visual Studio or any of the kewl VS Express Betas?

Magnus
2004-07-08
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
What does "Native XML support" mean. Sounds a bit iffy to me.

Euan Garden
2004-07-27
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
NAtive XML support means there is an XML datatype.

Alen
2004-07-28
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
I'm really missing replication in this one. :(

Andrew
2006-04-24
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
Is there no replication?

Larb
2006-05-10
re: Top 10 Cool Things about SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
SQL 2005 Express can only be a subscriber.

Subscriber is the server or database that receives data from another server or database.