Do I need to buy Visual Studio Professional?

Question

I have been using Visual Studio Express versions. I used to use the full Pro VS 2005. I can't figure out what I am missing with the Express version. What benefits will I get if I buy the full version of VS?

Answer 1

Depends on what you do. Look at the product matrix to see what features you gain with higher SKUs. Testing, Smart Devices, etc may or may not be relevant for you.

Answer 2

also, you can add addins like VisualSVN and Resharper into pro. You can't into express.

Matze might be right - MS needs the money - 5K people layed off today, and only 4.7b profit! :(

Answer 3

Have a look at this:

http://blogshare.members.winisp.net/docs/VisualStudio2008-ProductComparison-v1.02-Revisions.xps

Answer 4

Here's a link to a downloadable Visual Studio 2008 Product Comparison Guide from Microsoft.

Answer 5

The full version of Visual studio supports some extra features and tools.

One of the big differences is more debugging options (You can specify break conditions for debugging, unlike the express version). That feature alone is probably worth it.

You can also install 3rd party addons to add extra featues.

Answer 6

No Resharper.