Vs Express 2013 !free! Page

This single omission made Express unacceptable for many professionals who rely on workflow-specific tooling.

To write a report using Visual Studio Express 2013, you must use alternative tools like Microsoft Report Builder SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) vs express 2013

However, the platform was not without its frustrations, particularly regarding the push towards the Windows Store. "Express for Windows" was locked down tightly. It was effectively impossible to use it for standard desktop Win32 development. Microsoft was aggressively trying to funnel the new generation of developers into the WinRT ecosystem (the "Modern UI" apps). While this strategy made business sense for Microsoft’s tablet ambitions, it alienated the core developer base. Consequently, "Express for Windows Desktop" became the hero of the story, providing a sanctioned pathway for traditional Windows Forms and WPF development. It allowed businesses to maintain legacy apps and students to learn the fundamentals of event-driven programming without needing to touch the fledgling Windows Store. This single omission made Express unacceptable for many