How can I deploy a .NET application that uses ODAC without installing the whole component to the user?

Question

I have written a C# application that connects to an Oracle 10g database. Using Oracle Data Access Component 11.2 \"ODAC\", it works perfectly on my machine.

And now

Answer 1

You don't need to install any Oracle client separately. I installed the following in the same directory as the .exe:

   Oracle.DataAccess.dll

   oci.dll 

   OraOps11w.dll

   oraociei11.dll

   msvcr71.dll 

Make sure your project references the same Oracle.DataAccess.dll that you are delivering. This worked on a fresh pc which had never had oracle clients installed.

I avoided using TNSNAMES.ora by specifiying a connection string like this

connectionstring = Data Source="(DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=)(PORT=))" + "(CONNECT_DATA=(SERVER = DEDICATED)(SERVICE_NAME = )))"

If you are using TNSNAMES.ora just cut and paste the connection details into a single line string.

see What is the minimum client footprint required to connect C# to an Oracle database?

for more information.

• ejm

For information on how to obtain the above dlls, see this tutorial: http://begeeben.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/accessing-oracle-database-without-installing-oracle-client/