What Is Oracle Live SQL?

What Is Oracle Live SQL?

Oracle Live SQL is Oracle's free, browser-based SQL scratchpad allowing anyone to run SQL and PL/SQL against an Oracle 23c sandbox without installing software.

How Does Oracle Live SQL Work?

Oracle hosts a multi-tenant 23c database in the cloud. When you log in, you receive a private schema where you can create tables, load data, and run queries. The UI includes an editor, object browser, and script library.

Why Use Oracle Live SQL Instead of Local Install?

No setup time, zero cost, and instant upgrades make Live SQL perfect for quick experiments, tutorials, and teaching. You avoid memory-hungry VMs and complex Oracle installation steps.

What Are the Key Features?

Key features include syntax-highlighted editor, one-click run, sample schemas, public script library, execution plans, and shareable URLs for queries or results.

How Do I Sign Up?

Create a free Oracle account with an email and password. Open livesql.oracle.com, click “Sign In,” and grant browser storage permissions. No credit card is required.

How Do I Run My First Query?

Open the SQL Worksheet, type SELECT * FROM EMP;, and press Run. Live SQL returns rows from the sample SCOTT schema, complete with column metadata and execution time.

How Do I Create Tables and Load Data?

Use standard DDL like CREATE TABLE. Upload CSV files in the Data → Load interface or insert rows manually. Each user receives 50 MB storage, enough for practice datasets.

Can I Save and Share Scripts?

Click Save → “Save as Script” to store code in your library. Set visibility to Public to generate a shareable URL that anyone can fork into their workspace.

How Do I View Execution Plans?

After running a statement, switch to the Plans tab. Live SQL displays cost, cardinality, and access paths for tuning exercises, similar to EXPLAIN PLAN.

What Are Common Educational Use Cases?

Live demonstrations in webinars, interactive lab assignments, self-paced learning, quick syntax checks, and prototyping PL/SQL functions without corporate VPN access.

How Does Oracle Live SQL Compare to Galaxy?

Live SQL excels for quick Oracle-specific demos in a browser. Galaxy provides a full desktop IDE, context-aware AI copilot, and team collaboration across multiple databases, making it suited for production workflows.

Is My Data Private and Persistent?

Your schema is isolated, but Oracle may purge inactive accounts. Export important objects with DBMS_METADATA.GET_DDL or manually download CSVs.

What Limitations Should I Know?

No network access, external libraries, or large data loads. Each session has resource caps to protect shared infrastructure, and some enterprise features are disabled.

Best Practices for Productive Sessions

Keep scripts modular, use DROP TABLE guards, leverage sample schemas, and export finished work. For longer tutorials, split steps into numbered scripts.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Oracle Live SQL offers a frictionless way to learn and teach Oracle SQL. Combine it with tools like Galaxy when you need local performance, AI assistance, and secure team collaboration.