Can I use SQL Server Developer Edition in production?

No. Developer Edition is feature-equivalent to Enterprise but the license restricts use to development, testing and demonstration — never production workloads. The moment a real customer or business process depends on the data, you are out of compliance.

Microsoft enforces this in audits, and converting a Developer install to production after the fact is not a defense. If you need Enterprise features in production, license Enterprise. If Standard is enough, license Standard. For free production use with hard limits, SQL Server Express is the only legitimate path.

Still unsure?

Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.