What is the difference between SQL Server Management Studio and Express Edition?

Question

I am using Express currently. What additional features can I get in the full version?

Answer 1

There are no differences in Management Studio. Differences in the LIMITATIONS database! The engine is the same, but it will deprive you of some functions.

The Express Import / Export Wizard can be found at: C: \ Program Files \ Microsoft SQL Server \ 90 \ DTS \ Binn \ DTSWizard.exe

If you do not have it, download it from Microsoft: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=65111

You can install the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Toolkit to get cool toys like the Import / Export Wizard and reports.

The profiler is not part of Management Studio. This is another application that ships with the full version of SQL Server. Even if you installed it, your Express Edition server will refuse to work with it.

Answer 2

Assuming you are talking about differences in client tools and not about the database engine, the only differences I have found so far are the lack of reports and a profiler. In the full version, on the object tree, you can right-click and select from a set of standard reports. In the Express version, this menu option is missing. The express version does not install the profiler.

Answer 3

Most high availability options are not available in Express Edition. Express editions are great for development purposes. Here are the comparison facts:

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/features/compare-features.mspx

Answer 4

The most unpleasant thing for me is the import / export options. Even developers need it.

Answer 5

One of the features that prevents me from using Studio Express is the ability to import and export data through SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services). It's hard to be a true database administrator with Studio Express only. From a developer’s point of view, Studio Express will usually suffice.

Answer 6

One of the oldest posts on the stack.