>1) Which development edition of SQL Server is most suitable for developing solutions off-site (without access to a client's enterprise or standard edition of SQL Server)? Is SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine suitable for this?
I would recommend the Developer Edition as it comes with the GUI tools. MSDE is really more suited as a data server for very small business that don't need all the power (and cost) of the full version of SQL. As a developer, you will need the tools (Enterprise Manager, Query Analyzer, Profiler etc) that come with the Developer Edition.
>2) What is involved in upgrading an application (developed with SQL Server Desktop Engine) to a client's full SQL Server system? Is this just a simple process of copying the application's database files/tables on to the client's hard drive/server? Or, is something else involved?
Presumably, you are talking about a database with data that needs to go with it. For initial installation or upgrade, a backup/restore would be suitable. You can detach and attach SQL databases, but this will scramble any customized security settings for the database.
For empty databases, scripts for DB construction might be best. However, you have to be careful here, because very often DB objects need to be constructed in a particular order.
Dan LeClair
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