SQL Server Express is a free, scaled-down version of Microsoft SQL Server that offers a fundamental database engine. This server's design is intended for embedded and smaller-scale systems. Additionally, it may be used for any production database that is below 10GB in size.
SQL Server Express provides numerous benefits for clients, such as how it is free to use and has no limit on the number of coexisting connections. It also has Automated Backup which regularly takes backups of the database, making your data as secure as possible if ever lost or destroyed.
Furthermore, SQL Server Express is highly secure due to its numerous security features, such as Row-Level security, dynamic data masking, Azure Disk Encryption and Azure Server Side Encryption.
SQL Server Express also has its limitations, such as how it only has a maximum database size of 10GB. Multiple services and features, such as Integration service, SQL Server Agent and the Import-export feature, are absent from MS SQL Server Express.
Furthermore, the relational database engine of the SQL Server is restricted to the lesser of 1 socket or 4 cores.
SQL Server Express with Tools - The SQL Server Core database and management tools, SQL Server Express, LocalDB and SQL Azure are included.
SQL 2016 Express was released with three different editions:
SQL Server 2016 Express - This is the main express product and includes the elements that have been mentioned.
SQL Server 2016 Express with Advanced Services - For developers working on smaller apps, this Express edition is a good choice. This includes the main elements, as well as the relational database engine, Management Studio, reporting and full-text search.
SQL Server 2016 Express LocalDB - This is mostly used for development. It is a lightweight and simple version of Express with all of its programming abilities.
SQL Server 2019 Express - SQL Server 2019 Express is a free version of SQL Server that is intended for desktop, web and small server application development and deployment.
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