Is it possible to combine a SQL server older than 2008 with Visual Studio 2010?
And can VS2010 work with ASP.net MVC4 and EF5?

    1 answer 1

    Let's get everything in order.

    Is it possible to combine a SQL server older than 2008 with Visual Studio 2010?

    Looking for what purpose it is done ...
    If you just need to connect the database via ADO.NET in order to execute SQL queries on tables, etc., then there should be no problem.
    In a pinch, you can try installing SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). But as far as I know:

    1. SSDT for Visual Studio 2010 was last updated in December 2012 ( proof ).
    2. The above software is no longer available for download on the official website (proof is given above). Therefore, where you will look for him if necessary, I, frankly, can not even imagine.

    And can VS2010 work with ASP.net MVC4 and EF5?

    Judging by the information from the official page , MVC4 can work with .NET 4.0, but requires Visual Studio 2010 with SP1 installed.
    EF5, according to official information , can also be used in Visual Studio 2010, but in reduced functionality mode. Fully all features will be available only in .NET 4.5, which Visual Studio 2010 does not support.

    Summarizing, we can say that the answers to both your questions can be positive only with a number of reservations.
    In general, Visual Studio 2010 today is very outdated. Therefore, if there is an opportunity, better take the newer version (at least 2013).