Enter . If you build .NET applications (or any app needing a real SQL Server), this tool is a hidden gem you need in your toolbox. What is SqlLocalDb? SqlLocalDb is a lightweight, user-mode instance of SQL Server Express. It was introduced with SQL Server 2012 LocalDB.
But for most .NET apps, you can simply use: sqllocaldb
But what about SQL Server? Installing the full SQL Server Developer Edition is great, but it can be heavy. Spinning up a Docker container is nice, but requires Docker and resource overhead. but requires Docker and resource overhead.