visual studio enterprise vs professional

Visual Studio: A Comparison of Its Different Editions

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When it comes to choosing a development environment for your next project, one name that often tops the list is Visual Studio from Microsoft. This powerful suite has been a go-to choice among developers for years due to its robust feature set and ease of use.

However, what many users might not be aware of is that there are actually three different editions available: Community, Professional, and Enterprise. In this article, we will delve into the differences between these variants so you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.

### Visual Studio 2019 Community

Visual Studio 2019 Community Edition is completely free to download from Microsoft's official website. This version differs from its paid counterpart in several key areas:

1. Project Types: While the Professional and Enterprise editions support a wide range of project types, including desktop applications, mobile apps for Windows Phone and Android (via Xamarin), as well as web projects like ASP.NET MVC and Web API, Visual Studio 2019 Community only supports C# Console App (.NET Framework) and C++ Winforms Desktop Apps.

2. Testing Tools: The free edition does not come with advanced testing tools such as unit testing frameworks or performance profiling features found in higher-end versions.

3. Database Services: There are limitations on database services available, including no support for SQL Server Express LocalDB, Team Foundation Services (now called Azure DevOps), and Visual Studio Online.

### What Does This Mean For Developers?

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For most small to medium-sized projects or individual developers looking for a solid development environment without breaking the bank, Visual Studio 2019 Community should more than suffice. It includes everything you need to build applications using C#, C++, and even support for cross-platform mobile app development through Xamarin.

However, if your project requires advanced features like enterprise-grade testing tools, database services beyond what's offered by SQL Server Express LocalDB or needs the full gamut of project templates available across various platforms (Windows Desktop & Web), then stepping up to either Visual Studio Professional or Enterprise might be worth considering depending upon budget constraints and specific requirements.

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In conclusion, choosing between these three editions ultimately comes down to your individual needs as a developer. If you're just starting out with .NET development or working on small-scale projects where feature-richness isn't top priority but still want access to professional-grade tools without breaking the bank then Visual Studio 2019 Community should definitely be at the top of your radar!

Visual studio enterprise vs professional