Download SQL Server 2016: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! In the world of database management systems, SQL Server has always been a popular choice among developers. And with the release of SQL Server 2016, Microsoft has added a host of new features and improvements to the platform. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about downloading SQL Server 2016, from system requirements to FAQs.

1. System Requirements

Before you can download SQL Server 2016, you need to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements. The following table outlines the system requirements for SQL Server 2016:

Component	Requirement
Processor	1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
RAM	1 GB (4 GB recommended)
Hard Disk Space	6 GB (10 GB recommended)
Operating System	Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, or later
.NET Framework	.NET Framework 4.6 or later

If your system meets these requirements, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

2. Downloading SQL Server 2016

There are several ways to download SQL Server 2016, depending on your requirements. Let’s take a look at the different options:

Option 1: Evaluation Edition

If you want to try out SQL Server 2016 before committing to a full installation, you can download the Evaluation Edition for free. This edition provides all of the features of the Enterprise Edition, but is limited to a 180-day trial period.

To download the Evaluation Edition, follow these steps:

1. Go to the SQL Server Downloads page.
2. Scroll down to the section labeled “Other Versions”, and select “SQL Server 2016 Evaluation” from the dropdown menu.
3. Click the “Download” button to start the download process.

Once the download is complete, you can install SQL Server 2016 Evaluation by following the installation wizard.

Option 2: Developer Edition

If you are a developer who wants to build and test applications with SQL Server 2016, you can download the Developer Edition for free. This edition provides all of the features of the Enterprise Edition, with no limitations.

To download the Developer Edition, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Visual Studio downloads page.
2. Scroll down to the section labeled “Tools for SQL Server”, and select “SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition” from the dropdown menu.
3. Click the “Download” button to start the download process.

Once the download is complete, you can install SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition by following the installation wizard.

Option 3: Enterprise Edition

If you are a business user who needs all of the features of SQL Server 2016, you can purchase the Enterprise Edition. This edition provides all of the features of SQL Server 2016, and is designed for mission-critical applications.

To purchase the Enterprise Edition, contact a Microsoft sales representative.

3. Installation

Once you have downloaded SQL Server 2016, you can start the installation process. The installation wizard will guide you through the following steps:

1. Setup Support Rules
2. Product Key
3. License Terms
4. Install Setup Files
5. Install Rules
6. Feature Selection
7. Instance Configuration
8. Database Engine Configuration
9. Analysis Services Configuration
10. Reporting Services Configuration
11. Installation Rules
12. Ready to Install

During the installation process, you may be prompted to provide additional information or configuration options. Follow the installation wizard instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation.

4. Common Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions that Devs may have about downloading SQL Server 2016:

Q1: Can I install SQL Server 2016 on a Mac?

A: No, SQL Server 2016 is designed for Windows-based servers and workstations. You can install SQL Server 2016 on a virtual machine running Windows on a Mac, but not directly on a Mac.

Q2: How long does it take to install SQL Server 2016?

A: The installation time can vary depending on your system and the configuration options you choose. However, a typical installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Q3: Can I upgrade from an earlier version of SQL Server to SQL Server 2016?

A: Yes, you can upgrade from SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012, or SQL Server 2014 to SQL Server 2016. However, the upgrade process can be complex and should be performed by an experienced database administrator.

Q4: Do I need to uninstall earlier versions of SQL Server before installing SQL Server 2016?

A: No, you can have multiple versions of SQL Server installed on the same system. However, it is recommended that you uninstall any earlier versions that you are not using to free up system resources.

Q5: Can I install SQL Server 2016 on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can install SQL Server 2016 on a virtual machine running Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, or Windows 10.

Q6: Can I install SQL Server 2016 on a non-Windows server?

A: No, SQL Server 2016 is designed for Windows-based servers and workstations only.

Q7: Is there a free version of SQL Server 2016 for non-developers?

A: No, there is no free version of SQL Server 2016 for non-developers. The Evaluation Edition provides a 180-day trial period, but after that period you will need to purchase a license or use the Developer Edition.

Conclusion

Downloading SQL Server 2016 is a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements before you begin. By following the installation wizard and choosing the appropriate edition for your needs, you can have SQL Server 2016 up and running in no time.