How to use Oracle Instant Client

Instant Client allows you to run your applications without installing the standard Oracle client or having an ORACLE_HOME. OCI, OCCI, Pro*C, ODBC, and JDBC applications work without modification, while using significantly less disk space than before. Even SQL*Plus can be used with Instant Client. No recompile, no hassle.

ISVs and Partners benefit greatly from packaging Instant Client along with their applications, saving customers the extra step of installing and configuring an Oracle client. Free. The same fully-featured, high-performance applications that Oracle ISVs and partners have always delivered will continue to work, untouched.

Customers can try new packaged applications and Oracle client features quickly without worrying about other installations. Larger enterprises can automate setup and configuration of Instant Client by using installation scripts accessing a central IT repository. Finally, everyone can benefit from the smaller footprint in production use, especially for free.

Download: http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/tech/oci/instantclient/index.html

Steps to make it works with Flex2SQL for Oracle:

1. Unzip the file into a folder, for example Oracle.

2. Create a tnsnames.ora file into the folder.

# tnsnames.ora Network Configuration File:
# C:oracleproduct10.1.0Db_1networkadmintnsnames.ora
# Generated by Oracle configuration tools.

ORA10G =
   (DESCRIPTION =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = ORACLESERVER)(PORT = 1521))
      (CONNECT_DATA =
         (SERVER = DEDICATED)
         (SERVICE_NAME = ORA10G)
      )
)

EXTPROC_CONNECTION_DATA =
   (DESCRIPTION =
      (ADDRESS_LIST =
         (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = IPC)(KEY = EXTPROC))
   )
   (CONNECT_DATA =
      (SID = PLSExtProc)
      (PRESENTATION = RO)
)

3. Create an environment variable named 'TNS_ADMIN' and put the oracle folder as its value.

4. Insert the oracle folder into PATH

5. Setting the NLS_LANG - Oracle Character Set