Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 29, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The free Visual Studio Express Editions are now available for download in German. Visual Basic, C# and C++ Express are intended for Windows application development, while web developers can use Visual Web Developer Express.
The new environments include Language Integrated Query (LINQ), allowing SQL commands to be used directly in source code for data access; support for Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for interactive Windows user interfaces; and ASP.NET AJAX for fast, easy-to-use websites across major browsers. An expanded web editor provides JavaScript support.
Multi-targeting in Visual Studio Express 2008 maintains compatibility with previous releases and supports development for different .NET Framework editions, allowing developers to use .NET 3.5 without rewriting existing applications. Visual Studio Express 2005 remained available for download for another year.
The range comprises Visual Basic 2008 Express, Visual C# 2008 Express, Visual C++ 2008 Express, Visual Web Developer 2008 Express, SQL Server 2005 Express and SQL Server Compact Edition. The editions are free without time limits and licensed for private, educational and commercial use. The website offered ideas and free example components, including examples of peer-to-peer communication and integrations with Amazon, Flickr and other web services, along with product information, forums and support links.
