How to Download and Install Microsoft SQL Server & SSMS on Windows 10/11 | 2024 | Complete guide

Download and Install Microsoft SQL Server & SSMS on Windows 10/11 | 2024
SQL Server, developed and marketed by Microsoft, is a relational database management system (RDBMS). It provides a robust platform for storing, managing, and retrieving data. Here are some key points about SQL Server:

Purpose: SQL Server’s primary function is to store and retrieve data used by other applications. It’s widely used for managing structured data in various scenarios.
Language: Applications and tools connect to a SQL Server instance or database using Transact-SQL (T-SQL), which is a standard programming language for interacting with relational databases1.
Editions:
SQL Server 2022: The latest version, offering performance, security, and Azure-connected features. You can try it on-premises or in the cloud.
Developer Edition: A full-featured free edition for development and testing purposes.
Express Edition: Ideal for desktop, web, and small server applications.
Azure SQL Edge: Extends SQL to IoT devices for real-time analysis.
Explore more editions and tools on the SQL Server Downloads page2.
Installation Options:
Windows: Install SQL Server on Windows or as a Virtual Machine in Azure.
Linux: Run SQL Server 2022 on Linux.
Docker: Use SQL Server 2022 container images with Docker.
Tools and Connectors:
Azure Data Studio: A cross-platform tool for managing SQL Server.
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): A comprehensive management tool.
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): For database development.
Data Migration Assistant: Helps migrate databases.