How to Set Up Oracle on macOS

How do I set up Oracle Database on macOS?

Install Oracle Database or Instant Client on macOS using Homebrew, Docker, and SQL*Plus for local development.

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Description

What are the fastest ways to run Oracle on macOS?

Use Docker for a disposable sandbox, Homebrew for the lightweight Instant Client, or a VM for the full Database installation.

How do I install the Oracle Instant Client with Homebrew?

brew tap InstantClientTap/instantclient
brew install instantclient-basic
brew install instantclient-sqlplus

How can I start an Oracle Database in Docker?

docker pull container-registry.oracle.com/database/express:21.3.0-xe
docker run -d --name oracle-xe -p 1521:1521 -e ORACLE_PASSWORD=OraPassw0rd container-registry.oracle.com/database/express:21.3.0-xe

How do I connect with SQL*Plus?

sqlplus system/OraPassw0rd@//localhost:1521/XEPDB1

Which connection parameters matter?

HOST (localhost), PORT (1521), SERVICE_NAME (XEPDB1), USER (system), PASSWORD (secret).

What permissions must macOS grant?

Allow Docker network traffic and grant the Terminal Full Disk Access to avoid socket issues.

How can I verify the database is running?

docker logs oracle-xe --tail 20 should show "DATABASE IS READY TO USE!"

How do I stop or remove the container?

docker stop oracle-xe
docker rm oracle-xe

Can I link PostgreSQL to Oracle for ETL?

Install oracle_fdw in PostgreSQL, create server definitions, and copy data between systems.

What are best practices for local Oracle on macOS?

Use .env for passwords, map a host volume for /opt/oracle/oradata, and keep RAM >= 8 GB.

Why How to Set Up Oracle on macOS is important

How to Set Up Oracle on macOS Example Usage


-- Test query after connecting via SQL*Plus or any GUI
SELECT username, created
FROM dba_users
ORDER BY created DESC;

How to Set Up Oracle on macOS Syntax


# Homebrew Instant Client
brew tap InstantClientTap/instantclient
brew install instantclient-basic instantclient-sqlplus

# Docker Express Edition
# Pull image
docker pull container-registry.oracle.com/database/express:21.3.0-xe
# Run container
docker run -d \
  --name oracle-xe \
  -p 1521:1521 \
  -e ORACLE_PASSWORD=OraPassw0rd \
  -v $HOME/oracle/oradata:/opt/oracle/oradata \
  container-registry.oracle.com/database/express:21.3.0-xe

# Connect with SQL*Plus
sqlplus system/OraPassw0rd@//localhost:1521/XEPDB1

Common Mistakes

Skipping the ORACLE_PASSWORD variable in docker run. The container exits because the password is mandatory. Fix: add -e ORACLE_PASSWORD=StrongPass.
Using host 127.0.0.1 in SQL*Plus when Docker runs with host.docker.internal on older macOS versions. Fix: replace localhost with host.docker.internal.