Can I use SQL Server without license?

Question

You need to license every physical operating system environment (OSE) that is running SQL server software. You will need a core license for every core in the processor.

Can I use SQL Server for free?

SQL Server 2019 Express is a free edition of SQL Server, ideal for development and production for desktop, web, and small server applications.

Does SQL 2019 need a license?

Under the Server+CAL licensing model, each operating system environment (OSE) running SQL Server 2019 software or any of its components must have a SQL Server 2019 server license assigned to the physical server hosting the OSE.

Is SQL free for commercial use?

Reality: While SQL Server is a completely free product, it is also completely capable of legally being used for production workloads. The licensing allows you to include SQL Server Express as a part of your own products, and many ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) do just that.

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