---
parser: v2
time: 5
author_name: Thomas Jung
author_profile: https://github.com/jung-thomas
tags: [ tutorial>beginner, products>sap-hana\,-express-edition]
primary_tag: products>sap-hana\,-express-edition
slug: hxe-database-server
canonical_url: https://developers.sap.com/tutorials/hxe-database-server
---

# SAP HANA, express edition - Choose a Server-Only Deployment Method

<!-- description --> A decision guide to help you pick the right way to deploy the database-only (server-only) version of SAP HANA, express edition on your local computer, then point you to the hands-on installation tutorial that matches your setup.

## Prerequisites

- **Registration:** You must register for the product before downloading SAP HANA, express edition. Follow the steps in [Register for SAP HANA, express edition](hxe-ua-register).
- **Memory:** 8 GB RAM minimum; 12 GB recommended for the server-only version.
- **Disk space:** Sufficient free disk space for the download and installation — see your chosen installation guide for the exact figure.
- **Operating system:** A supported 64-bit Linux distribution. The server-only version does not install natively on Windows or macOS — on those hosts use Docker, a Linux virtual machine, or SAP HANA Cloud trial.
- **Docker (Docker path only):** A working Docker installation on a supported Linux distribution.

## You will learn

- How to compare the local deployment methods for the server-only (database) version of SAP HANA, express edition
- How to choose the method that fits your operating system and experience level
- Where to go next once your instance is running

## Intro

This is a short **decision guide**, not a hands-on installation walkthrough. Its goal is to help you pick the deployment method that matches your machine and skill level, then send you to the dedicated tutorial that walks through that method step by step.

This tutorial covers the **server-only** package — the SAP HANA database engine on its own, without XS Advanced or other application services. If you need those application services, follow one of the full-installation guides linked from the branches below instead.

---

### Confirm your machine has enough memory

Before choosing a method, confirm your laptop or server meets the minimum requirements for a local deployment:

- **8 GB RAM minimum**, **12 GB recommended** for the server-only version.
- Sufficient free disk space for the download and install.

> **Not enough RAM or disk space?**
>
> If your machine does not meet these requirements, use **SAP HANA Cloud trial** instead — a completely free, hosted, cloud-managed solution with nothing to install locally. See [Deploy SAP HANA Cloud trial](hana-cloud-deploying).

### Choose your deployment method

You will deploy using **one** of the methods below. Pick the branch that matches your machine and experience level — you only need to complete the one you choose, and the picker above hides the paths that don't apply to you.

[BRANCH_BEGIN group="deployment" key="docker" label="Docker container"]

### Deploy with Docker (Linux only)

Best if you want the fastest setup on a supported Linux distribution and are comfortable with Docker.

Follow the step-by-step guide: [Installing SAP HANA, express edition with Docker](hxe-ua-install-using-docker).

> Runs on Linux operating systems only. On Windows or macOS, run it inside a Linux virtual machine, or choose the **SAP HANA Cloud trial** branch instead.

[BRANCH_END]

[BRANCH_BEGIN group="deployment" key="binary" label="Binary installer"]

### Deploy with the binary installer (Linux)

Best if you want to customize the operating system or platform and are comfortable with Linux administration. This option allows for some customization of the operating system and the platform.

Follow the step-by-step guide: [Install SAP HANA, express edition on a Native Linux Machine](group.hxe-install-binary).

> Requires a minimum level of expertise with Linux operating systems and runs on Linux only.

[BRANCH_END]

[BRANCH_BEGIN group="deployment" key="cloud" label="SAP HANA Cloud trial" condition="profile.deployment == 'cloud'"]

### Use SAP HANA Cloud trial (no local install)

Best if you are on Windows or macOS, or have limited local resources. This is a completely free, hosted, cloud-managed option with nothing to install locally.

Follow the step-by-step guide: [Deploy SAP HANA Cloud trial](hana-cloud-deploying).

[BRANCH_END]

### What's next

Once your server-only instance is running, continue with:

- [Get Started with the SAP HANA Database Explorer](hana-dbx-overview) — connect to your new instance, set your passwords, and run your first SQL.
- [Register for SAP HANA, express edition](hxe-ua-register) — if you have not registered yet.
- Explore more SAP HANA learning content on [SAP Learning](https://learning.sap.com) to deepen your database administration and development skills.

---