I’ve posted previously about installing, setting up and using Oracle Database on Docker. It’s all very straightforward to do and is a great way for developers to play with the database and its various features.

It’s really important for all developers out there to try all the new database and SQL features. Unfortunately, most only learn and use the Database features from the SQL-92 standard. A lot has changed since then, and you’re missing out on over 30+ years of development work.

Here are two posts I’ve previously written on using Oracle on Docker:

• Oracle 21c XE Database and Docker setup
• Running Oracle Database on Docker on Apple M1 Chip

We now have 23ai Free – Developer Release. Here are the instructions for installing and connecting to the database. These commands are 23ai specific, so make sure to check out the posts above for more detailed instructions, particularly if you’re using Apple Silicone.

Log into Docker and run the following in a Terminal/Command-line window. This will install the latest version of the Docker image (currently 23ai)

docker run -d -p 1521:1521 -e ORACLE_PASSWORD=SysPassword1 gvenzl/oracle-free

I set the password to SysPassword1.

You can use SQL*Plus or SQL Command Line to access the data and log in as SYS or SYSTEM. These schemas should not be used for development work. Instead create a new schema (or even a developer schema) for your tables, data and queries.

You’ll need to open a terminal window to the Docker image. This can be done using Docker Desktop or using the docker command in a terminal window.

Using SQL Command Line (installation needed)

#SQL Command Line - Connect to 23ai Database Pluggable DB = FREEPDB1
sql system/SysPassword1@//localhost/FREEPDB1

Using SQL*PLus (installation needed)

#SQL*Plus to connect to 23ai Database Pluggable DB = FREEPDB1
sqlplus system/SysPassword1@//localhost/FREEPDB1

Using VS Code with Oracle SQL Developer Extension installed.