Getting Sqldeveloper Working with Instantclient on Windows without Admin Privileges

Описание: Learn how to set up Oracle SQL Developer with the Instant Client on Windows without having admin privileges. This guide provides a step-by-step process to configure your environment for optimal performance.
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How to Set Up Oracle SQL Developer with Instant Client on Windows without Admin Privileges

If you're an Oracle SQL Developer user, you know how crucial it is to have a smooth setup, particularly when connecting to databases. However, many users face the challenge of setting up SQL Developer with the Oracle Instant Client on Windows, especially when they lack admin privileges. This post dives into a practical solution that can help you bypass these limitations and get your SQL Developer working seamlessly.

The Problem

You might find yourself in a situation similar to this:

You have installed SQL Developer Version 19.1 (64-bit) on your Windows 10 PC.

While it works with the embedded JDBC client, you need to switch to the Oracle OCI client for better support, especially to cancel long-running queries.

Since you do not have administrator rights, you're unable to modify the system environment variables, like the %PATH%.

You've copied the entire instantclient_12_2 folder to your workstation but are struggling to configure it to work properly with SQL Developer.

When trying to configure the Oracle client within SQL Developer, you encounter an error message related to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), indicating that it can't be created. This problem can be frustrating, especially if you're not well-versed in Java.

The Solution

Despite the complexities, there is a clear step-by-step solution that you can implement without needing admin rights. Here’s how to set up your SQL Developer with Instant Client effectively:

Step 1: Install SQL Developer and Instant Client

Install SQL Developer in a directory you have access to, for example:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Also, install the Instant Client in a similar location:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Create a Batch File for Configuration

To change the environment variables temporarily, create a batch file that sets the %PATH% variable before launching SQL Developer:

Open a text editor and create a new .BAT file, for instance:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Add the following content to the batch file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Use the Batch File to Launch SQL Developer

Now that your batch file is ready, follow these steps:

Double-click the startsqldev.bat file to launch SQL Developer.

This file will temporarily change the %PATH% to include your Instant Client path before starting SQL Developer.

Step 4: Configure Oracle Client in SQL Developer

Once SQL Developer is open, navigate to:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Select the directory of your Instant Client and press the "Test" button.

If everything is set up correctly, it should establish a connection without throwing JVM-related errors.

Important Notes

This solution works well for SQL Developer versions greater than 20 as well.

In situations where you receive errors related to Java, ensure that your SQL Developer is configured correctly and has access to the required JDK.

By following these steps, you will be able to run Oracle SQL Developer with the Instant Client on your Windows machine without needing administrator privileges. Enjoy the enhanced capabilities of the OCI client, including better support for user breaks in long-running queries!

For any further questions or issues, feel free to reach out in the comments below!