Visual Studio - Which Version Should I Get?

[Mark Gambo]

I have been using the Visual Studio 2005 Express versions for about three weeks and I think I would like to upgrade to either the Standard Version or the Professional Version. At work we are using VS 6.0 Enterprise Edition so I was wondering which version I should get for myself. I looked at the MS Comparison Chart but I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the different versions?


Thanks

[ntg]

I don't know how that relates to pricing, but the Professional version offers a few key additional things (like remote debugging and Crystal Reports). I think that you should closely look at the differences and your current (and future) needs.

[jmcilhinney]

Do you need, or expect to need, anything that the Standard version doesn't provide? If not get Standard, otherwise get Professional.

[Mark Gambo]

Do you need, or expect to need, anything that the Standard version doesn't provide? If not get Standard, otherwise get Professional.

Crystal Reports is a good selling point since I currently use CR 8.5 in some of my apps. Other that the remote Debuging what types of Deployment Tools does the Pro Version have that the Standard Version doesn't have?

[jmcilhinney]

Crystal Reports is a good selling point since I currently use CR 8.5 in some of my apps. Other that the remote Debuging what types of Deployment Tools does the Pro Version have that the Standard Version doesn't have?

Pro supports full Setup and Deployment projects. Standard only supports ClickOnce. ClickOnce doesn't seem very popular at the moment. I don't know all the ins and outs, but I have a feeling that it will gain popularity as people start to understand it more. I've got a feeling though, that it may be best suited to a corporate environment, where the Framework will be preinstalled and updates will be automatically downloaded from a company server. The idea of posting an update and having all your customers installations automatically updated does sound attractive mind you. I'll reserve my decision until I've played with it properly, but the unknown is always a little scary.

[Mark Gambo]

Pro supports full Setup and Deployment projects. Standard only supports ClickOnce. ClickOnce doesn't seem very popular at the moment. I don't know all the ins and outs, but I have a feeling that it will gain popularity as people start to understand it more. I've got a feeling though, that it may be best suited to a corporate environment, where the Framework will be preinstalled and updates will be automatically downloaded from a company server. The idea of posting an update and having all your customers installations automatically updated does sound attractive mind you. I'll reserve my decision until I've played with it properly, but the unknown is always a little scary.

I currently use Wise Installer automatic Updater script to keep all of my client apps current on our Intra-Net. The script basically checks if there is a newer executable on the FTP server and if so it downloads and runs it.

Crystal REports isn't a big deal because CR8.5 will probably work fine with VS2005, so I guess for now I will go with the standard version.

Thanks for your input!

[RobDog888]

To seal the deal, check if you can upgrade from 2005 Standard to Pro if at a later time you find you need Pro. It would be the lesser of the two for investments and if the upgrade is possible then your future possibilities are greater and less expensive.