SQL Server Express is a great database to start your development and you can do a backup and restore from SQL Express to Standard/Developer or Enterprise. You MAY have difficulty going from a Higher Version of SQL Server to a lower one.
A great datasheet example from Microsoft is located here
If you want to work on Application development and are looking for a great place to start small amounts of data, by all means go for it. If, however, you are getting into Database Development or want to experiment with Database Administration, look at the Developer Edition. but you you can't use it for production.
Good luck with your development!