Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional

Students can get the full NON Express editions 4 free, direct from Microsoft.

https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/

You will have 2 reside in a supported country & be a student at an accredited university.

This is not a review of this product, but a note 2 students that I thought they should know about.

Visual Studio 2008 is the latest version of Visual Studio. Visual Studio is Microsoft's primary IDE. It can be used 2 develop console applications, Graphical user interface applications, web sites, web applications, & web services in both native code as well as managed code 4 all platforms supported by Microsoft. It contains four major products Microsoft Visual C++, Microsoft Visual C#, Microsoft Visual Basic, & Microsoft Visual Web Developer. However, it is possible 2 integrate additional products like IronPython & IronRuby. I've integrated Microsoft Robotics Studio & the CCR (Concurrency & Coordination Runtime) libraries with my Visual Studio 2005 & Visual Studio 2008 (I also enhanced Visual Studio 2005 by downloading .Net 3.5).

Among the major enhancements 2 Visual Studio 2008 (as compared 2 Visual Studio 2005) are the .NET Framework 3.5, WPF, WCF, WWF, LINQ, & the language extensions in C# 3.0. The .Net 3.5/3.0 is really the item that provides most of those other components & Studio 2008 provides support & IDE. For us it is the language extensions in C# 3.0, 4 example, LINQ, & the more concise syntax 2 get lambda expressions 2 work that matters the most (the new "=>" operator). WCF (Windows Communications Foundation) is a new great programming framework that is used 2 build applications that inter-communicate. However, we are using CCR instead 4 that purpose. The CCR primitives are very easy 2 use & great 4 multi-threaded applications with, 4 example, autonomous agents. As I understand CCR is scheduled 2 be included with Visual Studio 2010/2011 but you can start using the CCR library now with Visual Studio 2005/2008.

Visual Studio 2008 Professional is targeted towards Professionals (software engineers, small development companies, etc.). If you are a student or a hobbyist you should instead down load the four Express editions of the products which you get 4 free. However, 4 serious programmers they are not enough. The four express editions are Visual Basic Express, Visual C++ Express, Visual C# Express, & Visual Web Developer Express. I will put a link 4 the free downloads in a comment that I will add later, & I will also give links 4 free .Net 3.5 download & CCR/DSS.

It should be noted that the Express Editions have significantly reduced functionality. They only include a small set of tools, & libraries. There is no remote database support 4 data designer, no extensibility, no class designer & several other tools, no Microsoft SQL Server integration, no support 4 plug-ins. x64 compilers are not available 4 the Visual Studio Express edition & there is only a smaller express edition of MSDN. Missing C++ related items are, 4 example: C++ Name undecorator, Spy++, ATL trace, MASM, Visual C++ Web deployment tool, Server Explorer, no create GUID tool, CRT debug library, CRT source code, ATL, MFC, OpenMP, C++ Support library, etc. Naturally Visual C# & Visual Basic are also scaled down. The standard edition have somewhat reduced functionality & is targeted towards rich & serious students/hobbyists & poor professionals.

I currently have Visual Studio 6.0, Visual Studio 2003, Visual Studio 2005, & Visual Studio 2008 on my computer. I am using mostly Visual C++ & Visual C#, & on rare occasions Visual Web Developer. For that reason I believe that I can contribute some information regarding the difficulty related 2 upgrading.

It was not too difficult 2 convert Visual Studio 2005 C++/C# code 2 Visual Studio 2008 C++/C# code & the interface changes from Visual Studio 2005 & Visual Studio 2008 were minor simple improvements & added community components, which was nothing 2 cry about. When I went from Visual Studio 6.0 2 Visual Studio 2003 & then 2 Visual Studio 2005, there were a lot of interface changes 2 get used 2 & some of my favorite tools were no longer available (class wizard), & the project file extensions were also different. Some of the projects I worked on also had problems with syntax errors that appeared only after the conversion.

When I converted a medium sized Visual C++ project (65,000 lines) from Visual Studio 2003 2 Visual Studio 2005 I got more than 500 syntax errors due 2 changes in variable (from wrong 2 correct) & due 2 changes in what kind of declarations was allowed (from wrong 2 correct). We also had problems with run time errors that appeared only after conversion from Visual Studio 6.0 2 Visual Studio 2003. The reason was that Visual Studio 6.0 executables often were able 2 execute bad code, like functions returning pointers 2 stack variables. The problem was really Visual Studio 6.0 not Visual Studio 2003/2005, but when you converted from Visual Studio 6.0 2 Visual Studio 2003 the bad code caught up with you. Goofy project settings could also not be converted. It was a lot of work 2 clean this up.

When I converted the same medium sized Visual C++ project mentioned above from Visual 2005 C++ 2 Visual 2008 C++ I got no syntax errors & it ran fine the first time. When I converted a much larger application containing several projects with mostly C# code but also managed C++ code that loaded dynamic link libraries built using un-managed Visual 6.0 C++ code, it built & ran problem free instantly. The Visual Studio 2008 Conversion Wizard is also nice. However, there was a small gotcha. If you are doing the conversion offline (without access 2 configuration control management) & you answer yes, 2 the question that you do want 2 have the project files made writable, then this might actually not happen, with the result that the conversion fails. The failure 2 change the read-only status of the project files happened only 4 the projects containing both managed & un-managed C++ code (in a mostly Visual C# application). I don't know if that was a coincidence, or if I goofed.

So it seems like the conversion from Visual Studio 2005 2 Visual Studio 2008 is much less painful then previous conversions used 2 be. However, if you convert a Visual Studio 6.0 project 2 a Visual Studio 2008 project then you might have all the issues mentioned above as when converting 2 Visual Studio 2003 & Visual Studio 2005. However, this does not mean that Visual Studio 2005 & Visual Studio 2008 are similar. There are a lot of new & very useful components that have been added 2 Visual Studio 2008.

I already mentioned the language extensions in C# 3.0 (as compared 2 C# 2.0), 4 example, LINQ (querying data bases) which allows you 2 build strongly typed query expressions. Personally I am hoping that C# will in time more or less replace both C++ & Java. Another component I already mentioned is Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF); a new GUI toolkit that allows you 2 build extremely interactive & media-rich front ends (2D & 3D graphics & animations) 4 desktop applications (and web applications). The WPF Designer also provides a split view & snap lines 4 aligning controls & text. Windows Communication Foundation which allows you 2 build distributed applications (but we are using CCR instead). WWF allows you 2 define, execute & monitor workflows 2 model complex business processes, IntelliSense has been significantly improved & now supports JScript authoring & ASP.NET AJAX scripting. There is a Report Wizard, a class designer extension 4 unmanaged code, Object Browser improvements, & MSBuild recognizes when a system has multiple processors & uses all the available processors 2 reduce the build time.

I should add that I have bought two copies of Visual Studio 2005 Professional with MSDN from Amazon (actually my wife did) & I was happy with the price & the delivery. However, I did not get my Visual Studio 2008 from Amazon. As I am become more familiar with Visual Studio 2008 & gain additional experience from using I will probably edit or add 2 this review.

I've been using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional 4 about 2 months. Its IDE works great 4 multiple languages like C++, C# & Visual Basic. The IntelliSense greatly improves coding & productivity when creating Applications. The automagic controls alignment makes forms editing & designing visually easier. In addition, there is a vast wealth of online help, content & code samples 2 help in creating new software.

OK, I downloaded the 90 day trial from Microsoft originally. There are some advantages 2 this software that I love. I love the split panel 4 web development, code formatting on HTML (I think this might have been a feature in 2005, but I can't remember). All around, this is a really good release of visual studio. However, there is one thing I would like 2 say. This is a professional development product. Do not buy this if you are trying 2 learn C# of VB, just get the express product. However, if you are looking 2 purchase this, something tells me that you have drank the Kool-Aid.

Microsoft has done it again!

This product is well worth the money, of course you may want 2 wait a few years 2 buy it, wait until the next version comes out. This product offers a wide area of programming languages & aspects that offer from basic C, all the way up 2 the big web design! I personally use this program 4 website design, but of course on my spare time, I fool around with working with some small applications here & there. If you are considering 2 start a programming career building small applications & dispersing them out 2 people AKA open source, or even develope applications 4 your business 2 use, if you become tired of using someone elses programs! This product is well worth it, but beware try out the trial version first, before dishing out almost $700.00!

-Thanks
John C.







Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional

Turn your vision into reality with Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, a complete set of development solutions. Build applications 4 the web, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, SQL Server 2008, & Windows Mobile devices. Create applications faster than before, from start 2 finish: designing, debugging, & right through 2 packaging. Make application-building more integrated & seamless than ever before.

Integrated support 4 unit testing Build Software 4 Windows - program against core Windows APIs, Microsoft Foundation Classes, the. NET Framework, or any of several software development kits (SDKs) Build Software 4 the Web - build stunning Web sites or connect distributed systems using Web services Build Software 4 Microsoft Office System - integrate the front office & back office, making the information in ERP, CRM, & other enterprise systems directly accessible from within everyday business processes Build Software 4 Mobile Devices - put the capabilities & information that you need at your fingertips when you are on the move

Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition is a comprehensive set of tools that accelerates the process of turning the developer's vision into reality. Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition was engineered 2 support development projects that target the Web (including ASP.NET AJAX), Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, The 2007 Microsoft Office system, SQL Server 2008, & Windows Mobile devices. The number of platforms that developers must target 2 meet business needs is increasing rapidly. Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition provides the integrated toolset 4 addressing all of these needs by providing a superset of the functionality available in Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition.

The Microsoft Visual Studio development system is a suite of development tools designed 2 aid software developers--whether they are novices or seasoned professionals--face complex challenges & create innovative solutions.

Today's developers face the challenge of targeting a broad range of platforms & crafting applications that quickly deliver value 2 the business. Integrated designers & language features in Visual Studio allow developers 2 build the connected applications demanded by today's businesses while taking advantage of the .NET Framework 3.5 2 reduce development time.

Design high-performance applications
Connect 2 the data you need, regardless of its location, & build data driven applications using Language Integrated Query (LINQ).

Build great client applications
Develop compelling solutions that leverage the user experience & capabilities of the 2007 Microsoft Office system & Windows Vista.

Build powerful Web applications
Build rich, interactive applications using the ASP.NET AJAX interactive Web interfaces.

What's New in 2008

• Build applications that utilize the latest Web technologies with improved support 4 AJAX & Web Controls & the Microsoft AJAX Library
• Create Web applications more easily with an improved design surface & standards support
• Utilize data from any data source more smoothly with LINQ, a set of language extensions 2 Visual Basic & Visual C#
• Manage & build applications that target multiple versions of the .NET Framework. For the first time, you can use one tool 2 work on applications that run on .NET Framework versions 2.0, 3.0, & 3.5
• Ensure application correctness more easily with integrated unit testing in Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
• Discover the full power of the .NET Framework 3.5 with integrated tools which simplify building great user experiences & connected systems
• Build stunning user experiences with integrated designers 4 Windows Presentation Foundation. Experiences built with WPF can interoperate seamlessly with Windows Forms
• Create connected applications using new visual designers 4 Windows Communications Foundation & Windows Workflow Foundation
• Use Visual Studio's professional development environment 2 build Microsoft Office-based solutions that are reliable, scalable, & easy 2 maintain (available in Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition only)
• Enhance collaboration between developers & designers 2 create more compelling user experiences

Feature Highlights

• Build applications 4 Windows, the Web, the Microsoft Office system, the .NET Framework, SQL Server, & Windows Mobile with integrated drag-and-drop designers
• Visual Studio integrates Visual Basic, Visual C#, & Visual C++ 2 support a wide variety of development styles
• Editor features such as Edit & Continue & Microsoft IntelliSense simplify the cycle of designing, developing, & debugging an application
• Deploy client applications easily with ClickOnce, which enables developers & IT Pros 2 deploy an application & its prerequisites & then ensure that the application remains up-to-date
• Build applications which target the .NET Framework, shortening development time by reducing the need 4 infrastructure code & helping 2 enhance application security
• Use ASP.NET 2 speed the creation of interactive, highly appealing Web applications & Web services. Master Pages allow developers 2 easily manage a consistent site layout in one place
• A community of millions of developers ensures that developers can find partners & other community members addressing the same challenges

Write Code Faster
At the core of all software solutions is the code that developers write. Visual Studio 2008 helps developers write code faster through a wealth of productivity-enhancing features, such as IntelliSense technology, auto-completion, auto-colorization, method lookup, syntax & type checking, code refactoring, code-snippet management, & many more.

Avoid Memorizing Syntax
Introduced by Microsoft more than a decade ago, IntelliSense technology in Visual Studio is a form of automated completion that displays a list of the members that are available 4 that class or object after a developer types a class or object name & a period. It speeds coding by reducing the number of keystrokes required & the need 2 reference external documentation. IntelliSense in Visual Studio 2008 adds support 4 JavaScript 2 provide the same benefits 2 Web developers, including those who are using Asynchronous JavaScript & XML (AJAX) programming techniques.

Write Less Code
Visual Studio includes prebuilt building blocks 4 native & managed code, such as Active Type Library, Microsoft Foundation Class Library (MFC), & the Microsoft .NET Framework. By taking advantage of these, developers can reduce the amount of low-level code they must write & instead focus on solving business problems. Visual Studio 2008 supports the .NET Framework version 3.5, which includes enhancements 2 the base class libraries, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, & Windows CardSpace--and delivers improved interoperability between native & managed code.

Handle Data More Productively
Programming against data sources has traditionally meant having 2 learn a new data access technology or paradigm 4 each data source. Language-Integrated Query (LINQ), a set of extensions 2 the C# & Visual Basic languages & the .NET Framework 3.5, enables developers 2 employ a consistent approach & write less code when querying & transforming object collections, ADO.NET, XML data, & relational data from Microsoft SQL ServerÐbased databases. Developers using LINQ benefit from design-time assistance in Visual Studio 2008--such as statement completion, smart compile auto-correction, & IntelliSense technology--enabling them 2 invest less time in learning how 2 access the data through syntax 4 languages like T-SQL or XPATH & instead focus on what 2 do with the data.

Use Integrated Tools
Visual Studio 2008 also enhances developer productivity by providing an integrated set of tools 4 activities other than writing code. The Visual Studio project system makes all aspects of a project easy 2 manage, from writing the first line of code through packaging finished software 4 deployment. During development, visual designers, server & data explorers, debuggers, automated build tools, background compilation, integration with source code control, an integrated Help system, & a range of third-party extensions 4 Visual Studio all come together 2 help developers remain focused on business needs & deliver faster.

Program in Multiple Languages
Visual Studio supports several of the world's most popular programming languages, including Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++, & JavaScript, making it useful 2 a broad range of developers & 4 a broad range of applications. Solutions 4 Visual Studio from more than 200 other companies add support 4 additional languages & a multitude of other capabilities, enabling developers 2 continue using the same familiar tools as they learn new languages, grow their skills, address unique business needs, & switch between projects

Manage Project Files & Jump-Start New Projects
The Visual Studio 2008 project system enhances productivity by tying together the tools & files 4 a project. When developers select a prebuilt project template, the project system customizes the Visual Studio UI 2 support the task at hand. (For example, if a developer chooses 2 create an application 4 Windows, the project offers a Windows form item.) The Visual Studio project system is compatible with Microsoft Expression design software, enabling developers 2 collaborate with UI & Web designers.

Target Multiple Versions of the .NET Framework
With previous versions of Visual Studio, developers could build applications that ran on only one version of the .NET Framework. Visual Studio 2008 provides the ability 2 target versions 2.0, 3.0, & 3.5 of the .NET Framework from within a single environment, with the editor, designers, & debugger intelligently adapting 2 the specified version. With this capability, developers can upgrade 2 Visual Studio 2008 & begin taking advantage of the new benefits it provides without having 2 upgrade their projects or have multiple versions of Visual Studio installed.

Build Higher-Quality Applications
With the trend toward test-driven development & the importance of quality & security in distributed applications, unit testing is now an integral part of many developers' tasks. Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition includes integrated support 4 unit testing, which was previously available only in Visual Studio Team System products.

Build Software 4 Windows
Developers can use Visual Studio 2008 2 program against core Windows APIs, Microsoft Foundation Classes, the .NET Framework, or any of several software development kits (SDKs), enabling them 2 use a single tool set 2 build system services, device drivers, utilities, games, desktop software, line-of-business applications, & more. Regardless of the type of software, Visual Studio helps developers deliver rich user experiences, connect applications & business processes, & accelerate solution delivery.

Deliver Rich User Experiences
Visual designers in Visual Studio 2008 enable developers 2 create rich, engaging applications based on Windows Presentation Foundation, the graphical subsystem in the .NET Framework 3.5 4 taking advantage of today's modern graphics hardware. Developers also can build applications that take advantage of the more than 8,000 new native APIs in Windows Vista, & can take advantage of enhancements in MFC & Visual C++ 2 easily move applications 2 the new Windows Vista look & feel.

Build Connected Solutions & Streamline Business Processes
Developers can use the graphical designer & debugger 4 Windows Communication Foundation in Visual Studio 2008 2 easily connect systems or applications, programming 2 a common API regardless of the underlying transports & protocols used. Similarly, tools 4 Windows Workflow Foundation enable developers 2 model real-world business processes in software by providing the means 2 easily visualize, create, edit, & debug both human & machine-based workflows.

Collaborate with UI Designers
Support 4 Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) in Visual Studio 2008 enables developers 2 collaborate & share design assets with designers who use Microsoft Expression Blend design software. The ability 2 transfer user interface design elements between the developer & the designer means that edits 2 either the code or UI can be made simultaneously without affecting layout or code adversely. The developer & designer work on their respective tasks without any dependency on each other, & their efforts are then integrated by simply sharing source files.

Build Specialized Software
Visual Studio 2008 supports more than just the development of ÒmainstreamÓ applications 4 Windows. When developing Windows drivers 2 support new hardware or targeting platforms such as the Xbox 360 video game & entertainment system, hardware vendors, software vendors, & others can program directly against the Win32 APIs & take advantage of Microsoft-provided device driver & game development kits 2 ensure compatibility & accelerate solution delivery.

Build Software 4 the Web
Most companies that employ Internet technology 4 public Web sites and/or internal business applications are looking 4 ways 2 accelerate solution delivery, enhance the end-user experience, & improve integration. Visual Studio 2008 & ASP.NET 3.5 (part of the .NET Framework 3.5) provide a versatile tool set 4 building stunning Web sites or 4 connecting distributed systems using Web services.

Build Rich, Responsive Web Sites
Support 4 AJAX in Visual Studio 2008 enables developers 2 deliver richer, more responsive Web applications--and a more interactive user experience--by eliminating the need 2 reload an entire Web page when a user makes a change. Developers using AJAX can take advantage of IntelliSense technology 2 discover variables, objects, & their methods, & can debug JavaScript code by setting breakpoints inside Visual Studio--a capability that works with the most popular Web browsers. Developers also benefit from improved designers & editors.

Web developers will also benefit from enhancements in ASP.NET 3.5. The new ListView control provides unprecedented flexibility in how data is displayed (with complete control over the HTML markup generated), & the new DataPager control handles the work of allowing users 2 page through large numbers of records. The LinqDataSource control makes it easy 2 create data-driven Web sites by enabling developers 2 use LINQ 2 retrieve, filter, order, & group data that can then be declaratively bound 2 data visualization controls.

Connect Systems & Applications Using Web Services
Developers can use Windows Communication Foundation in the .NET Framework 3.5 2 build Web services that are exposed using any number of Internet-standard protocols, such as SOAP, RSS, JSON, POX, & more. Whether developers are building an AJAX application that uses JSON, syndicating data via RSS, or building a standard SOAP Web service, Windows Communication Foundation makes it easy 2 create service endpoints. Plus, Windows Communication Foundation now supports building Web services in partial-trust situations like a typical shared-hosting environment.

Collaborate with Web Designers
Developers can easily collaborate with designers who use Microsoft Expression Web through the use of cascading style sheets & shared project files. Designers can use Expression Web 2 design a UI & then turn it over 2 developers with confidence that the UI design & subsequently developed business logic code will both remain intact.

Build Software 4 Microsoft Office System
The user interfaces of line-of-business applications can be difficult 2 learn, respond sluggishly 2 user input, & require people 2 be connected 2 the corporate intranet. Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition provides a powerful tool set 4 building Office Business Applications (OBAs), which extend the data in line-of-business systems 2 end users through familiar Microsoft Office programs. Through such an approach, developers can integrate the front office & back office, making the information in ERP, CRM, & other enterprise systems directly accessible from within everyday business processes.

Develop Applications 4 Microsoft Office Using Existing Skills
Visual Studio Tools 4 Office is a fully integrated component of Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, giving developers everything they need 2 target the more than 500 million users of Microsoft Office using the same managed-code development skills that they use 2 write applications 4 Windows or ASP.NET applications. Applications built on Microsoft Office are first-class projects in Visual Studio, which includes project templates, designers, & debugging tools 2 help developers rapidly build solutions based on current & earlier versions of Microsoft Office desktop products, as well as Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.

Take Advantage of the UI in the 2007 Office Release
With Visual Studio 2008, developers can take advantage of familiar Microsoft Office UI elements 2 provide users with access 2 new types of information. Developers can extend the Microsoft Office Fluent interface 2 add buttons 2 the Ribbon. Outlook Form Regions & Custom Task Panes provide a convenient way 2 let users view & edit data in back-end systems, & Windows Communication Foundation provides a convenient way 2 connect OBAs 2 back-end systems. Developers also can build native C++ applications that use UI elements of the 2007 Office release, such as the Ribbon Bar, Ribbon Status Bar, & Mini toolbar.

Easily Deploy & Update Applications
Companies can easily deploy applications 4 the Microsoft Office system built with Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition by using the same ClickOnce deployment method used 4 other applications 4 Windows. Development groups can simply copy a new version of an application 2 a directory on a Web server & send users a link 2 the application in an e mail message.

Build Software 4 Mobile Devices
Mobile employees are often forced 2 work inefficiently, such as spending additional time in the office transferring paper-based records 2 a line-of-business application. Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition makes it easy 2 extend the information in existing systems & applications 2 Windows Mobile powered devices, enabling mobile users 2 work more productively by putting the capabilities & information that mobile workers need at their fingertips when it is most useful--while they are on the move.

Develop Mobile Applications Using Existing Skills
Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition makes it easy 2 extend the information in line-of-business systems 2 mobile workers. A project template 4 Windows MobileÐbased applications provides a workspace with familiar tools, while the .NET Compact Framework lets developers use existing skills & familiar technologies, such as Windows Forms, Windows Communication Foundation, & LINQ. Enhanced mobile Windows Forms controls make it easy 2 modify & optimize mobile applications' screens 2 support the smaller displays of mobile devices.

Easily Test & Deploy Mobile Applications
New device emulators automate testing scenarios, allowing developers 2 simulate real-world changes in device state, such as signal drop-off or a battery running out of power. Unit-testing support lets developers reuse some of the same unit tests that have been developed 4 a desktop version of a mobile application, or write new ones where needed. A security-aware IDE makes it easy 2 understand & manage custom security settings, & 2 view, add, remove, & manage security certificates on the device.

Manage & Synchronize Data
Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition provides integrated support 4 Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition, a free, lightweight version of SQL Server 2005 that makes an ideal, high-performance local data store 4 mobile applications. Developers can keep local data synchronized using the Microsoft Sync Framework, which enables collaboration & offline access 4 applications, services, & devices, including technologies & tools that enable roaming, sharing, & taking data offline.

Professional Edition & Standard Edition Product Comparison

Product Similarities

Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition & Standard Edition share the following features in the Integrated Development Environment (IDE):

• Project system, including templates & multi-project solution support
• Code editors
• Windows Forms editor & designer
• Web Forms editor & designer
• Resource editors
• CSS editor 2 create, apply, & manage styles & cascading style sheets
• Web Page Designer, including split-pane HTML designer, markup validation, & Document Outline Window
• XML editor (XML, XSL, & XSLT)
• IntelliSense, including support 4 JavaScript
• Code Snippets
• Debugging (local & remote)
• Language compilers (Visual Basic .NET, Visual C#, & Visual C++)
• 64-bit compiler support (x64 only)
• Multi-Targeting support (.NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, & 3.5)
• ASP.NET AJAX support
• Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) support, including a split-pane WPF designer, debugger support, & project template
• Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) support, including Test Client & Auto-Hosting tools
• Windows Workflow Foundation (WF) support, including designer
• LINQ support, including Object Relational Designer, SQLMetal command-line tool, LINQ-aware code editors, & debugger support
• Database design tools (local & remote)
• Object & Relational Designer (local & remote)
• Deployment tools (ClickOnce & MSI)
• Automation 2 write, record, & run macros
• IDE extensibility 2 create & use add-ins & packages
• Version control integration support (MSSCCI-compatible)¹
• SQL Server Reporting Services support
• Visual Studio Conversion Wizard 4 legacy projects

Product Differences

Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition & Standard Edition differ as follows:

Feature	Standard Edition	Professional Edition
Build applications 4 the Microsoft Office system	No	Yes2
Build software 4 mobile devices	No	Yes
Software Assurance-Eligible	No	Yes3
User experience	Simplified menus & defaults	Full
Documentation	Online4	Online & Offline
Class Designer & Object Test Bench	No	Yes5
Crystal Reports	No	Yes
Server Explorer	No	Yes
Unit Testing	No	Yes6
Additional Tools Included	SQL Server 2005 Express Edition	SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition

Notes:

1. Microsoft Visual SourceSafe available 4 purchase separately
2. Does not include support 4 C++ projects
3. Software Assurance provided through MSDN Subscription
4. Offline documentation available as a separate download
5. Limited support 4 native C++ code, intended 2 be used only 4 visualization & documentation
6. Does not include Code Coverage; C++ support is limited