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.
sqlplus username/password@//hostname:port/service_name Example: oracle instant client 19
sqlplus scott/tiger@MYDB One of the strongest points of Instant Client is its compatibility with popular languages: sqlplus scott/tiger@//192
MYDB = (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = dbserver.example.com)(PORT = 1521)) (CONNECT_DATA = (SERVICE_NAME = orclpdb)) ) Then connect: oracle instant client 19
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.