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Oracle SQLcl vs SQL*Plus (Oracle Instant Client): catalog facts
Oracle SQLcl	SQL*Plus (Oracle Instant Client)
Free Free to download from Oracle.	Free Free to download and use under Oracle's Instant Client licence.
macOS, Command line	Windows, Linux, Command line
Free command-line client from Oracle Built-in MCP server for AI tools	Lightweight install compared with a full Oracle client Runs SQL and PL/SQL directly from the terminal
Only for Oracle Database Proprietary	Only works with Oracle Database Proprietary licence
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License: Proprietary (Oracle Instant Client licence)
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 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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