Help installing cx_Oracle

Question

I\'m trying to install the cx_Oracle for Python 2.6, but it is failing. I don\'t know enough about C or MS Vis. Studio\'s compiler to even approach fixing it myself.

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Answer 1

If you use Anaconda Python x64, things are easier:

conda install -c https://conda.anaconda.org/anaconda cx_oracle

(It will install the right Oracle client)

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If you get the following error:

[Anaconda2] C:\Users\User>conda install -c https://conda.anaconda.org/anaconda c
x_oracle
Using Anaconda Cloud api site https://api.anaconda.org
Fetching package metadata: ......
Solving package specifications: .................
Package plan for installation in environment C:\Anaconda2:

The following NEW packages will be INSTALLED:

    cx_oracle:            5.1.2-py27_0
    oracle-instantclient: 11.2.0.4.0-0

The following packages will be UPDATED:

    conda:                3.19.1-py27_0 --> 4.0.5-py27_0
    pip:                  8.0.2-py27_0  --> 8.1.1-py27_0
    pyyaml:               3.11-py27_2   --> 3.11-py27_3
    setuptools:           19.6.2-py27_0 --> 20.3-py27_0
    wheel:                0.26.0-py27_1 --> 0.29.0-py27_0

Proceed ([y]/n)? y

Unlinking packages ...
An unexpected error has occurred, please consider sending the            |   0%
following traceback to the conda GitHub issue tracker at:

    https://github.com/conda/conda/issues

Include the output of the command 'conda info' in your report.


Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Anaconda2\Scripts\conda-script.py", line 4, in <module>
    sys.exit(main())
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\cli\main.py", line 173, in main
    args_func(args, p)
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\cli\main.py", line 180, in args_fun
c
    args.func(args, p)
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\cli\main_install.py", line 45, in e
xecute
    install.install(args, parser, 'install')
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\cli\install.py", line 423, in insta
ll
    plan.execute_actions(actions, index, verbose=not args.quiet)
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\plan.py", line 538, in execute_acti
ons
    inst.execute_instructions(plan, index, verbose)
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\instructions.py", line 148, in exec
ute_instructions
    cmd(state, arg)
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\instructions.py", line 95, in UNLIN
K_CMD
    install.unlink(state['prefix'], arg)
  File "C:\Anaconda2\lib\site-packages\conda\install.py", line 714, in unlink
    os.unlink(meta_path)
WindowsError: [Error 5] Access is denied: 'C:\\Anaconda2\\conda-meta\\conda-3.19
.1-py27_0.json'

[Anaconda2] C:\Users\User>

Try running the Anaconda prompt as admin:

Answer 2

You also need some type of Oracle client installed on your machine, since cx_Oracle is just a bridge between Python and the Oracle Client. Valid Oracle Clients include a full Oracle installation (like Standard or XE) or the Instant Client

From the README:

Please note that an Oracle client (or server) installation is required in order to use cx_Oracle. If you do not require the tools that come with a full client installation, it is recommended to install the Instant Client which is far easier to install.

I have not installed on Windows before, but you may have to set the ORACLE_HOME environment variable so that cx_Oracle knows where to look.

Answer 3

Why don't you use a binary package like Windows Installer (Oracle 10g, Python 2.6)?

See http://cx-oracle.sourceforge.net/ for other binary packages

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Addendum (as requested): you must ensure to use the cx_Oracle that :

• set ORACLE_HOME if this environment variable doesn't exist (see this Oracle FAQ)
• python can find oraocci11.dll for Oracle 11g, oraocci10.dll for Oracle 10g or oraclient9.dll for Oracle 9i by adding the folder (should be %ORACLE_HOME%/bin) where the DLL is in you PATH environment variable
• use the correct binary package (i.e. built for the right Python/Oracle versions)