| 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 |
Sample tnsnames.ora :
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
sqlplus scott/tiger@MYDB One of the strongest points of Instant Client is its compatibility with popular languages: | Language | Driver/Module | How it uses
Example: Python with python-oracledb (thick mode) oracle instant client 19
MYDB = (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = dbserver.example.com)(PORT = 1521)) (CONNECT_DATA = (SERVICE_NAME = orclpdb)) ) Then connect:
sqlplus username/password@//hostname:port/service_name Example: