Microsoft is making the Express Editions of its development tools free until 6 November 2006. People interested in learning more about building Windows applications, dynamic websites and web services can download and use the new tools for free.

The Express Editions are an expansion of the Visual Studio and SQL Server product line to include lightweight, easy-to-use, and easy-to-learn tools for hobbyists, students, and novice developers.

The Express products consist of Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition, a lightweight tool for building dynamic Web sites and Web services; Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition; Visual C# 2005 Express Edition; Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition; and Visual J# 2005 Express Edition.

There are no licensing restrictions for applications built using the Express Editions.

The set also includes the SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, a database for building data-driven applications.

Originally announced at US$49, the set is being offered for free as a limited-in-time promotional offer. Although SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is initially being offered as a free download, this offer is not limited to the same promotional pricing period as Visual Studio Express.