Microsoft announced the general availability of SQL Server 2016 today. This version has many path-breaking updates for performance, security and business intelligence. On top of that, the Developer Edition of SQL Server 2016 and 2014 are now completely free! There is no restriction on features, capabilities or how long you can use them! Read on to find out how to download free SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition and other goodies.
In these Developer Editions, the databases do not have to be smaller than X GB, the feature Y will not be disabled, the time is not restricted to Z days (i.e. 180 days) and you don’t have to pay any $ Dollars. These Developer Editions have all the features of the Enterprise Edition, but should not be used for Production.
Download Free SQL Server Developer Edition
To download the Developer Edition, all you need is a free membership to the Visual Studio Dev Essentials and then go to the following URL to download the installation file.
Download Free SQL Server 2014 and 2016 Developer Edition
Download Free SQL Server Tools
If you don’t plan on downloading the full install of SQL Server yet, you can still get the latest tools.
New 2016 Version of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
SSMS is a free client tool for general SQL Server management and TSQL development. It is compatible with prior versions of SQL Server too.
https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/mt238290.aspx
New 2016 Version of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
SSDT is a free development tool that is a subset of Visual Studio IDE. It is focused on database and business intelligence related development i.e. TSQL, SSIS, SSRS and SSAS.
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt204009.aspx
Download Free eBook
While at your downloading spree, get the final version of the free MS Press eBook that gives an overview of the latest features in the SQL Server 2016 version.
Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2016
Mission-Critical Applications, Deeper Insights, Hyperscale Cloud
Authors: Stacia Varga (t), Denny Cherry (t), Joseph D’Antoni (t)
Pages: 215
ISBN: 978-1-5093-0195-9
https://info.microsoft.com/Introducing-SQL-Server-2016-eBook.html
Although the title says that it is an introductory book, it is certainly not a beginner’s level text. In its nine chapters, it introduces the new features of SQL Server 2016. So it will be more useful if you have already worked with SQL Server for a while and are aware of features (or possibilities for enhancements) in the previous versions.
