SQL *Net or SQL *Plus

[Wayne Essel]

I usually use a laptop supplied by my client that has access to SQL Plus and a number of Oracle Database servers. When I installed PL/SQL developer on that laptop, everything was fine from the get-go.

NOW I need to use my own computer for the next two weeks. So I installed PL/SQL there, temporarily, and there is NO hint of anything Oracle on my machine, so PL/SQL just sits there and looks at me.

I have access to the client's database servers via VPN. What is the EASIEST way (what product/how to use?) to establish the connectivity between PL/SQL Developer and my client's Oracle database? Can I purchase SQL *Net by itself? Should I download a trial copy of Oracle personal edition (it's HUGE)?

Thanks.

Wayne

 

[Domgrief]

If you're after a freely available way of connecting to an Oracle database, with a fairly small download, you could try Oracle Instant Client (clickie) .

Oracle has basically designed this to be a small, easy to distribute client, which acts as a drop-in replacement for the massive Oracle client installations that you normally have to have, so it's a much smaller download and you never have to worry about licensing.

On the other hand, it's a bit of a nasty one to set up, but the FAQ should give you a hand. You may also need to jump through a couple of hoops (clickie) to get it up and running with PL/SQL Dev.

If you're using Oracle PURELY for development purposes, you could sign up to Oracle's OTN (clickie) service, which would allow you to download the Oracle 8, 9, or 10 "client" CDs - still several hundred megs, but includes everything you could possibly need for connectivity and then some.

Failing both of the above, Oracle Personal Edition should do the trick.