Can I install and run SQL Server locally to develop legally for free?

Question

I'm developing a database-driven web application. I'm not always connected to the network so I'd like to setup a development environment on my laptop with a SQL Server database. The database won't be hit hard or anything, I just mainly need it so I can make sure my queries are setup correctly for my web pages.

I'm running Windows 7 locally. The actual database production environment is running SQL Server 2000. The web application is being built on Coldfusion8.

Answer 1

Visit SQL Server Downloads and download the Express edition

Answer 2

Also, the developer edition for about $50 - this has all the features of the enterprise edition and is well worth the money.

Note that it should only be used for development and is not to be used in a production environment.

Answer 3

You cannot install the full version of MSSQL Server on your computer for development purposes, but you can install MSSQL Server Express for this purpose.

Answer 4

Yes, you can use Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 RTM - Express with Management Tools.

If you want to run SQL Server 2000, find an old copy of SQL Server 2000 Developer Edition.