Does VS Express have everything I will need?

Question

I have to ask this question because I've never programmed except in an intro to C++ class, so my knowledge is extremely limited.

Here's my question. For me to write a C# program with a SQL Server Express db, does VS Express have everything I'll need to get from start to finish? If not, what else might I need (and please be specific because I'm new to all of this.)

Thank you.

Update: Thanks to Malfist, I see I can download full versions due to being a student. So I guess this question is moot.

Answer 1

When coupled with an external tool to do source control (plenty of free options), it has the bare minimum needed for most projects. To make sure it's not missing a feature you'll want for your project, you should check out this page:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/zcbsd3cz(VS.80).aspx?ppud=4

Note that this is for Visual Studio 2005 - the 2008 editions compare page seems to have gone missing.

Answer 2

It will contain enough to get you started, the SQL Sever won't be included, you'll have to download it separately.

If you're a student with a *.edu email account you can download full editions for free with DreamSpark.

Answer 3

At an introductory stage, yes, the express versions will have everything you need to get started writing an application with a database backend. Check out MS's introduction here. The limitations are also available here.

Answer 4

As of my experience, if you are going for windows desktop programming, Visual Studio has the most complete and advanced features you can ever find.

I'll recommend also that you get a look at Expression Design (Blend), it'll help you build interactive applications (WPF)and it works with VS Express (but it's not free).

Answer 5

Together with Testdriven.net and tortoise svn you've got everything you need to get started very well