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I am confused between localDB and SQL Server. What is actual difference between using LocalDB and SQL Server? And, which one is recommended?

marc_s
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Junaid
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    What did your research show? https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/sqlexpress/2011/07/12/introducing-localdb-an-improved-sql-express/, http://stackoverflow.com/questions/17547998/confusion-about-sql-server-express-and-localdb, http://stackoverflow.com/questions/13571331/is-it-normal-to-use-localdb-in-production, http://stackoverflow.com/questions/18780941/sql-server-localdb-v11-0-explained – CodeCaster Jul 07 '16 at 22:20
  • Such a broad question. Provide target, number of expected users and data size, type of application etc... Its like choosing between a bicycle and 747. – Ozan Gunceler Jul 07 '16 at 22:24
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    `LocalDB` ***IS*** SQL Server - in a developer-optimized edition. LocalDB is a version of SQL Server Express that doesn't install as a service on your machine, but is started up when your application starts (e.g. from within Visual Studio). But LocalDB ***IS*** SQL Server ! – marc_s Jul 08 '16 at 04:44

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LocalDB is a lightweight version of the SQL Server Express Database Engine that is targeted for program development. LocalDB starts on demand and runs in user mode, so there is no complex configuration or installation of a full blown DB engine.

From Introducing LocalDB, an improved SQL Express:

LocalDB is created specifically for developers. It is very easy to install and requires no management, yet it offers the same T-SQL language, programming surface and client-side providers as the regular SQL Server Express. In effect the developers that target SQL Server no longer have to install and manage a full instance of SQL Server Express on their laptops and other development machines.

Petre T
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