Oracle Database Discussions

You won't need to install a db, but I believe you will need to install an Oracle client, which can be downloaded from oracle.com and doesn't require a license

I am not sure about the TOAD version you have, but if have 9.0.1.8 and above, you can use the "direct" option (instead of "TNS") to connect to db without having Oracle software installed on your system.

--MM

What is the "OracCmd" program?

Do you mean SQL*Plus perhaps? If so, what version? If you have it installed, it means you have (some variant of) the Database Client installed, meaning you have the libraries TOAD depends on for "connectivity" with Oracle databases.

In the Oracle world, information about host/IP address and port numbers are usually stored in a file called tnsnames.ora. This information, for each database service, is referenced by a name of your choosing. To connect, you would use such name together with login credentials e.g. user/password@mydb.

What are the versions of the Oracle database servers you want to connect to?

From my understanding, the Direct tab just gives the user the option to "bypass" tnsnames.ora and instead create a connect descriptor on-the-fly. (like Ezconnect method in 10.x)
TOAD still requires OCI and Net libraries (or some equivalent) to work with a database.

But as I recall, it's possible that they began including Instant Client with TOAD (the non-free version) a couple of versions back. Hm... maybe it was just support for Instant Client added, I'm not sure.

Message was edited by:
orafad

@UserMM
In the version (Freeware) that I have I don't find any "direct" option. There are only three user entry options - Database, User/Schema, Password. I guess the freeware is crippleware.

@orafad
OraCmd is a nifty program from Withdata. More info here (http://www.withdata.com/oracmd.html)

Since its not possible with TOAD Freeware, I would like to use iSQLPlus.

I tried it but was not able to connect to the remote database.
Anyone help me with it.

Hi Kokuho
Please provide the address you used to connect to the remote database using iSQLPlus?
Please specify the OS and the Database version

How about trying SqlDeveloper from Oracle :

http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/products/sql/index.html

freeware, no need for any extra software on your PC

How did you create your tns entry? Manually or via netca?

If netca is not used, I would recommend to delete the old tns entry from tnsnames.ora file manually and add the same entry back via netca utility.

PartA.
1) Make sure listener is up (for example on the server 192.168.0.33 you are trying to connect) before you start netca. Most probably it is on 1521 port unless you changed it.

Assuming your server on *NIX:
$ ps -ef |grep lsnr
the above command will give you all the listeners which are up and running.

If listener is not up, bring it up.
$ lsnrctl start listener
the above command will start listener called "LISTENER" on default port 1521. Ignore this if the listener is already up.


PartB
Assuming your client machine is on Windows,

1) start --> run --> cmd --> netca
2) You will see "Oracle Net Configuaration Assistant: Welcome" window. --> next
3) Pick the 3rd radio button "Local Net Service Name Configuartion" --> next
4) Pick the "ADD" button. --> next
5) Provide the service name. (It is usually database name). Assuming my database name is FCMAT, I will give FCMAT --> next
6) Pick "TCP" --> next
6) Instead of the hostname, add the ip address of the host (for example 192.168.0.33 and
"Use the standard port of 1521"--> next
7) "Yes, perform a test" (this is why you have to have the listener up to test it) -->next
8) It will fail as it doesn't have any password. Click on "Change Login" and provide the SYSTEM password and click "OK". If listener is up on the server and password is right and there are no connectivity issues going on, test will SUCCEED. --> next
9) Here you will provide Net Service Name. You can give whatever you like to give here but usually giving instance name will help. AGain, I will give FCMAT. -->
10) Click "NO" to configure another net service name. --> next
11) click "Finish"

The above steps will create a tnsnames.ora entry similar to this.

FCMAT =
(DESCRIPTION =
(ADDRESS_LIST =
(ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = 192.168.0.33)(PORT = 1521))
)
(CONNECT_DATA =
(SERVICE_NAME = fcmat)
)
)


Part3
1) start your sqlplus utility
2) provide username system
3) provide password
4) provide FCMAT in host string.

and you should be able to connect via sqlplus and TOAD.

If you are still getting the error, please provide us the exact error.

--Moid M

P.S. tnsnames.ora / listener.ora / sqlnet.ora can be found $ORACLE_HOME/network/admin directory.

@ RajendraK
I guess iSQLPLUS requires installation of Oracle DB, which is what I don't want to do.

@ruhr0001
SQL Developer works like a charm :). Thanks a lot. Its very huge though (155MB). Is there a smaller software (smaller footprint) that would do the same kind of job?

@UserMM

Thank you for the excellent & detailed tutorial.
Unfortunately its if I have Oracle DB installed in the PC.
My requirement is to be able to connect to a remote DB without having to install the DB & Client. I am looking for some software which will allow me to connect to the remote DB and use sql commands.

Options:-
1) TOAD Freeware - doesn't work, Crippleware
2) iSQLPlus - doesn't work, requires installation of Oracle DB, I guess
3) SQL Developer - works, great, but also huge.
4) OraCmd - works, good, but not all sql commands work
5) SQLPlus - works, good, but requires installation of "Instant Client"

<<Thanks a lot. Its very huge though (155MB)>>

modern times we are living in .

after all, you get the real stuff, documentation, forums, statements of direction,blogs, ....

you want to work seriously, you'll need some RAM and harddisk.

good luck

To connect to a db you would need some kind of client (in a client/server model).
But you do not need the Database install, unless you want to employ db links for a "distributed database" (where one db is the client).
Nope. You need a web browser.
Unless I'm completely off the charts with this, iSqlPlus is a web based application, that runs on the database host (the app includes a java and http server).
The browser is the client and the web server is, well, the server. In turn the web server acts as client to the database server. In a three-tier model.
How is this a problem?

Hi Kokuho
I don't think you need to install client on your client machine.
I have installed Oracle 10g in a Server machine and I am able to access the database from 10 to 15 systems with the help of the web browser IE.
Please check your URL and if you are using 10gExpress Edition you have to enable it.

Have you tried using isqlplus? I think you have the option from 10g as long isqlplus is enable.


$ isqlplusctl start --> to start the isqlplus service
$ORACLE_HOME/oc4j/j2ee/isqlplus/config/http-web-site.xml file --> Config Location

http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/server.102/b14357/ch2.htm#BCEIHEJF

--Moid Muhammad

Hi,

I am student of oracle dba and i want to practice of my curriculam so i want to connect to your server where resides your database where i can practice so pl
let me know how to connect & what are the steps and will it working on unix platform or not ?


Thanks,

Amit