cx_Oracle Installation Instructions

I've had to put cx_Oracle (python Oracle database connector) on macOS and Linux, and both processes were similar but poorly documented on Oracle's website.

These instructions were written and tested using the client 12.1. The instructions for any 12.x are the same, but you may need to change 12_1 to 12_2 in commands if you are using version 12.2, etc.

Instructions

1. Download 64 bit (easy to download 32 by mistake) basic + sdk instantclient from Oracle website (Note: you need an account, I used throwaway email)

   • macOS URL: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/intel-macsoft-096467.html
   • Linux URL: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/linuxx86-64soft-092277.html

2. mkdir /usr/local/lib/oracle (we should not use /usr/lib in macOS due to SIP)

   • Note: you may choose any directory you wish, such as /opt/oracle on Linux but be sure to replace the directories in any instructions below with your choice.

3. Unzip + move the downloaded files directly to /usr/local/lib/oracle/instantclient_12_1

   • tar -xvf instantclient-basic-macos.x64-11.2.0.4.0.zip -C /usr/local/lib/oracle
   • tar -xvf instantclient-sdk-macos.x64-11.2.0.4.0.zip -C /usr/local/lib/oracle

4. Link libraries to non-version specific names (cd /usr/local/lib/oracle/instantclient_12_1 if you haven't)

   • ln -s libclntsh.dylib.12.1 libclntsh.dylib
   • ln -s libocci.dylib.12.1 libocci.dylib

5. Add environment variables to PATH (add to .profile, .bash_profile, .zshrc etc.)

   • export ORACLE_HOME=/usr/local/lib/oracle/instantclient_12_1
   • export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$ORACLE_HOME:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH
   • export PATH=$ORACLE_HOME:$PATH

6. Install cx_Oracle with pip

   • pip install cx_Oracle

7. Test that it's working properly

   • python
   • import cx_Oracle

   The import should execute without an error, and you're off and running.