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MSDN stands for Microsoft Developer Network. It was Microsoft’s developer-focused network of information, tools, and subscription resources. Today, Microsoft documents subscription benefits under Visual Studio Subscriptions and provides developer documentation through Microsoft Developer and Microsoft Learn. These are current destinations, not a single one-to-one replacement for every part of the former MSDN network.
What did MSDN include?
Microsoft used MSDN for its developer-facing network and offerings: information and resources for people building software with Microsoft technologies, as well as subscription benefits. The term therefore referred to more than a website or a single software product.
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MSDN also appeared in the name of Microsoft subscription offerings. A Microsoft guide published in 2015 described Visual Studio standard subscriptions as “formerly known as MSDN Subscriptions.” That establishes a connection between the names, but it does not show that every historical plan had the same terms or benefits as a current subscription.
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What replaced MSDN?
There is no single replacement established for every aspect of MSDN. Microsoft’s current information is organized across separate destinations: Visual Studio Subscriptions for subscription details and benefits, Microsoft Developer and Microsoft Learn for developer resources and documentation, and the Azure Developer hub for Azure-specific development resources.
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For a practical starting point, choose the destination that matches what you need:
- Visual Studio Subscriptions documentation for current subscription information.
- Microsoft Developer for developer tools, documentation, code samples, and community resources.
- Microsoft Learn for Microsoft product documentation and learning resources.
- Azure Developer for Azure development resources.
How do current Visual Studio subscriptions relate to MSDN?
Microsoft now uses the name Visual Studio Subscriptions in its subscription documentation. The connection to MSDN is historical: Microsoft’s 2015 guide called Visual Studio standard subscriptions “formerly known as MSDN Subscriptions.” That wording does not guarantee that a current subscription matches a past MSDN plan.
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Current subscription benefits depend on the subscription type. Microsoft lists possible benefits such as Visual Studio access, software downloads, Azure credits, Azure DevOps, a Microsoft 365 Developer Account, training, and support. Check the current subscription benefits overview for the specific plan rather than assuming every benefit is included.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
