What version of SQL Server can I use to work with VS 2015?

Question

SQL

Which version can be used for development? Express, Standard, etc.? What components need to be installed?

Answer 1

Actually the formal answer is "none". For the work of the SQL studio itself, it is not required as such.
And to develop something of your own - in general, any version. From the point of view of movement at the cutting edge of progress - apparently the newest.

Answer 2

Any.
For most tasks, Express
will suffice . The installer will do everything you need.
I recommend installing SSMS separately (updated more often) - https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt238290.aspx , it will also work with any version of SQL Server.

Answer 3

You can use any, but in fact only Express or Developer makes sense. The rest cost money.
SQL Server 2016 SP1 Developer edition is now free