I've downloaded SQL Server 2017 to find out what Object Explorer is and how it works. At the very least I'd like to create a database and create some Tables. However, I don't seem to have an application loaded that I can run to do this.
I have installed SQL Server 2017 Express using SQLServer2017-SSEI-Expr.exe. I understand this is free of charge. The following are now listed as installed programs on my machine:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 T-SQL Language Service
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Setup (English)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 LocalDB
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (64-bit)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client
- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client
In the list of apps under the heading of Microsoft SQL Server 2017, shown when I click on my Windows 10 Start button, I have the following list of programs that I can run:
- SQL Server 2017 Configuration Manager
- SQL Server 2017 Import and Export Data (32-bit)
- SQL Server 2017 Import and Export Data (64-bit)
- SQL Server 2017 Error and Usage Reporting
- SQL Server 2017 Installation Center (64-bit)
However, I get the impression that to use SQL Server 2017 Express I need to use something like SQL Server Management Studio, but that is not free except for a limited period. However, a possible alternative, Microsoft Management Console, is listed in my Task Manager as being inactive and I don't know how to activate it. Anyway, from the documentation it seems that I need SQL Server Management Studio to use Object Explorer, anyway.
Is there is free way of using
- Object Explorer
- Creating a database, creating tables and doing queries
please?