Oracle Instant Client 19 ^hot^ May 2026

Example: Python with python-oracledb (thick mode)

from Oracle Technology Network (OTN) – free for development and production use with a valid Oracle Database license. Version note: As of 2026, Oracle recommends moving to Instant Client 23 for new projects, but Instant Client 19 remains fully supported and widely used in production environments due to its long-term stability. oracle instant client 19

| Language | Driver/Module | How it uses Instant Client | |----------|--------------|----------------------------| | Python | cx_Oracle / python-oracledb (Thick mode) | Requires Oracle client libraries | | Node.js | node-oracledb | Thick mode uses Instant Client | | PHP | oci8 extension | Requires Instant Client | | Ruby | ruby-oci8 | Links to Instant Client libs | | Go | goracle / go-oci8 | Uses OCI libraries | | .NET | ODP.NET Managed Driver | No client needed; Unmanaged requires IC | | Java | JDBC Thin | No client needed; OCI driver uses IC | Set TNS_ADMIN to that directory

sqlplus scott/tiger@MYDB One of the strongest points of Instant Client is its compatibility with popular languages: Set TNS_ADMIN to that directory.

MYDB = (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = dbserver.example.com)(PORT = 1521)) (CONNECT_DATA = (SERVICE_NAME = orclpdb)) ) Then connect:

sqlplus scott/tiger@//192.168.1.100:1521/ORCLPDB1 Create a tnsnames.ora file in a directory (e.g., /etc/oracle or %USERPROFILE%\oracle ). Set TNS_ADMIN to that directory.