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SQL*Plus (Oracle Instant Client) vs Oracle SQLcl: catalog facts
SQL*Plus (Oracle Instant Client)	Oracle SQLcl
Free Free to download and use under Oracle's Instant Client licence.	Free Free to download from Oracle.
Windows, Linux, Command line	macOS, Command line
Lightweight install compared with a full Oracle client Runs SQL and PL/SQL directly from the terminal	Free command-line client from Oracle Built-in MCP server for AI tools
Only works with Oracle Database Proprietary licence	Only for Oracle Database Proprietary
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License: Proprietary (Oracle Instant Client licence)	License not stated
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 October 1, 2026

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