Licensing

John,

You would only need a license for SQL Server if you plan on placing it "into production".

Defining what is production is perhaps your next question. If you're just looking for a development platform for data and procedures that you would deploy on a sepetate production server or in Azure, then you're all set; the free Developer Edition is all you need.

If you plan on running a production app on your own computer, say install a time tracking application that will use SQL Server to host data, now you're running into production use.

However, for less complex database needs, you can leverage SQL Server Express.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-editions-express

This is a scaled down SQL Server that is free to place into production. Many vender packages, like time tracking apps, will include this version of SQL Server in the package and you may not even realize it.

I used to be a Microsoft Software Asset Management Engagement Manager. If your situation goes beyond these scenarios, please describe and I'll give you a more definitive answer.

Regards,

Mike