Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS).
Several versions are available:
- SQL Server Developer
- The full-featured free edition, licensed for use as a development and test database in a non-production environment
- SQL Server Express
- The free edition, ideal for development and production for desktop, web, and small server applications
SQL Server Express is a great choice due to its cost and ease of use. However, for enterprise-level applications and production environments, MSSQL Server is the preferred option due to its advanced features and scalability.
Therefore, SQL Server Express will be used here.
- SQL Server on-premises
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The performance and security of SQL Server 2022—a scalable, hybrid data platform—now Azure-enabled
- SQL Server on Azure
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Run SQL Server on Azure SQL with built-in security and manageability.
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the most popular tool to manage SQL Server.
It is an integrated environment designed to manage any SQL infrastructure, including SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VM, and Azure Synapse Analytics.
SSMS provides a comprehensive utility that combines graphical tools with rich script editors, making it accessible for developers and database administrators of all skill levels.