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SQL*Plus (Oracle Instant Client) vs Oracle SQL Developer: catalog facts
SQL*Plus (Oracle Instant Client)	Oracle SQL Developer
Free Free to download and use under Oracle's Instant Client licence.	Free Free to download and use from Oracle.
Windows, Linux, Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux
Lightweight install compared with a full Oracle client Runs SQL and PL/SQL directly from the terminal	Full PL/SQL IDE with worksheet and DBA console Built-in data modeling
Only works with Oracle Database Proprietary licence	Focused on Oracle Database Java application, not open source
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License: Proprietary (Oracle Instant Client licence)	License: Proprietary
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.