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Licensing Model for SQL*Plus

Andrios Robert

• 1 min read

The terminal waits. The cursor blinks. You type sqlplus and connect to the database. But before that command runs in production, you need to understand the licensing model that controls it.

Licensing Model for SQL*Plus is straightforward but strict. SQL*Plus is bundled with Oracle Database client and server distributions. It does not require a separate license when used with a properly licensed Oracle Database. However, the rights to use SQL*Plus are tied directly to the Oracle Database license you hold. Its usage terms follow the same edition, metrics, and restrictions as the database software itself.

If you have an Oracle Database license—whether per-core, named user, or via Oracle Cloud—you can use SQL*Plus freely within the bounds of that license. Deploying SQL*Plus without a licensed Oracle Database backend, or bundling it in another product without authorization, violates Oracle’s license agreements. This applies across all environments: development, test, and production.

Key points in the SQL*Plus Licensing Model:

  • SQL*Plus is not sold separately by Oracle.
  • Rights are inherited from the Oracle Database license.
  • Usage is permitted for all licensed environments connected to your database.
  • Redistribution outside licensed Oracle environments requires explicit permission.
  • Cloud subscriptions include SQL*Plus usage under the same service terms.

Oracle maintains a single set of terms covering utilities like SQL*Plus, Data Pump, and SQL Loader. These are governed by the same metrics that define your database license—core count, named user plus, or unlimited license agreements. Changes in your database deployment, such as scaling core counts or moving workloads to cloud, can trigger licensing recalculations for SQL*Plus usage.

For compliance, track where and how SQL*Plus is installed. When upgrading the database or moving to managed services, confirm that SQL*Plus remains within licensed boundaries. Oracle performs formal audits that check for utilities usage, not just database binaries.

Understanding the licensing model for SQL*Plus is essential for secure, legal, and efficient operations. Don’t risk compliance problems or unexpected costs. See how licensing awareness fits into agile database ops—run it live in minutes on hoop.dev.