Oracle Database 23ai Free RPM Installation on Oracle Linux 9 (OL9)

Introduction

Oracle Database 23ai Free can be installed on Oracle Linux 9 using a simple RPM package. This article describes the RPM-based installation of Oracle Database 23ai Free 64-bit on Oracle Linux 9 (OL9) 64-bit.

The installation is based on a server configuration with:

A minimum of 2 GB swap space
Secure Linux (SELinux) set to permissive

Note: This is one of the simplest ways to install Oracle Database, as the RPM handles most of the configuration automatically. It is ideal for developers, students, and anyone who wants to quickly set up an Oracle Database environment for learning or development.

Overview of the Installation Process

#	Phase	Description
1	Hosts File	Configure the server's hostname
2	Oracle Installation	Install the preinstall package and the 23ai RPM
3	Create Database	Run the configuration script to create the demo database
4	Using It	Connect to the database and manage the service

Phase 1: Configure the Hosts File

The /etc/hosts file must contain a fully qualified name for the server.

Format:

<IP-address>  <fully-qualified-machine-name>  <machine-name>

Example:

127.0.0.1       localhost localhost.localdomain localhost4 localhost4.localdomain4
192.168.56.107  ol9-23.localdomain  ol9-23

Set the hostname in /etc/hostname:

ol9-23.localdomain

Important: The hostname must be resolvable both forward and backward. Verify with hostname and ping ol9-23.localdomain.

Phase 2: Oracle Installation

Step 1: Download the RPM

Download the relevant RPM from the Oracle download page:

oracle-database-free-23ai-1.0-1.el9.x86_64.rpm

Note: The RPM is available for free from Oracle. No support contract is required.

Step 2: Install the Oracle Prerequisites

As the root user, install the preinstall package:

dnf install -y oracle-database-preinstall-23ai

Purpose: The preinstall package automatically configures all the required kernel parameters, user limits, and creates the oracle user and groups. This saves you from having to perform the manual setup steps required in other installation methods.

Step 3: Install the Oracle 23ai Software

As the root user, install the 23ai software using the following command. This assumes the RPM file is in the /tmp directory:

dnf -y localinstall /tmp/oracle-database-free-23ai-1.0-1.el9.x86_64.rpm

Result: The software is installed to the following ORACLE_HOME:
text
/opt/oracle/product/23ai/dbhomeFree

Phase 3: Create Database

In addition to the software installation, the RPM creates a script that allows you to create a demo database called FREE, with a pluggable database (PDB) called FREEPDB1.

Step 1: Set the DB_PASSWORD Environment Variable

export DB_PASSWORD=SysPassword1

Note: Replace SysPassword1 with a secure password of your choice. Oracle recommends that the password be at least 8 characters long, containing at least 1 uppercase character, 1 lowercase character, and 1 digit.

Step 2: Run the Configuration Script

(echo "${DB_PASSWORD}"; echo "${DB_PASSWORD}";) | /etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai configure

Step 3: Review the Output

The configuration script performs the following steps:

Specify a password to be used for database accounts...
Confirm the password:
Configuring Oracle Listener.
Listener configuration succeeded.
Configuring Oracle Database FREE.
Enter SYS user password:
Enter SYSTEM user password:
Enter PDBADMIN User Password:
Prepare for db operation
7% complete
Copying database files
29% complete
Creating and starting Oracle instance
30% complete
...
100% complete
Database creation complete.

Step 4: Note the Database Information

After completion, the script displays the following information:

Attribute	Value
Global Database Name	`FREE`
System Identifier (SID)	`FREE`
Pluggable Database	`FREEPDB1`
PDB Connect String	`localhost.localdomain/FREEPDB1`
CDB Connect String	`localhost.localdomain`

Log Files: For further details, check the log files at:
text
/opt/oracle/cfgtoollogs/dbca/FREE/

Alternative: You can also create a database in the normal way using the Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA). The configuration script is optional.

Phase 4: Using It

Step 1: Connect as the Oracle User

From the oracle user, set the environment and connect:

export ORACLE_HOME=/opt/oracle/product/23ai/dbhomeFree
export PATH=$ORACLE_HOME/bin:$PATH

Step 2: Connect to the Root Container (CDB)

sqlplus sys/SysPassword1@//localhost:1521/free as sysdba

Step 3: Connect to the Pluggable Database (PDB)

sqlplus sys/SysPassword1@//localhost:1521/freepdb1 as sysdba

Step 4: Manage the Service

You can stop and start the database service from the root user with the following commands:

# Stop the database
/etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai stop

# Start the database
/etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai start

The Complete Installation Flow

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  1. HOSTS FILE                                                  │
│     Configure /etc/hosts and /etc/hostname                      │
└──────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  2. ORACLE INSTALLATION                                         │
│     dnf install -y oracle-database-preinstall-23ai              │
│     dnf -y localinstall /tmp/oracle-database-free-23ai-*.rpm    │
└──────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  3. CREATE DATABASE                                             │
│     export DB_PASSWORD=SysPassword1                             │
│     /etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai configure                      │
└──────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  4. USING IT                                                    │
│     Connect to CDB: sqlplus sys/password@//localhost:1521/free  │
│     Connect to PDB: sqlplus sys/password@//localhost:1521/freepdb1│
│     Manage service: /etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai start|stop     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key Paths and Configuration

Item	Path / Value
ORACLE_HOME	`/opt/oracle/product/23ai/dbhomeFree`
Global Database Name	`FREE`
SID	`FREE`
PDB Name	`FREEPDB1`
Listener Port	`1521`
CDB Connect String	`localhost:1521/free`
PDB Connect String	`localhost:1521/freepdb1`
Service Script	`/etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai`
Log Directory	`/opt/oracle/cfgtoollogs/dbca/FREE/`

Advantages of RPM Installation

Advantage	Description
Simplicity	Single command to install the software
Automated Prerequisites	Preinstall package handles kernel parameters and user setup
Fast Setup	Database can be created in minutes
Standard Paths	Uses standard Oracle paths for easy management
Service Integration	Includes init.d scripts for service management
Free to Use	No support contract required

Best Practices

Practice	Description
Use Secure Passwords	Set strong passwords for SYS, SYSTEM, and PDBADMIN
Configure the Firewall	Allow port 1521 for database connections
Set SELinux to Permissive	Required for smooth installation
Monitor Log Files	Review logs in `/opt/oracle/cfgtoollogs/dbca/FREE/`
Back Up the Database	Perform regular backups once the database is in use
Use the Service Script	Use `/etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai` for start/stop
Document Configuration	Keep a record of passwords and connection strings

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
RPM installation fails	Missing dependencies	Run `dnf install -y oracle-database-preinstall-23ai` first
Database creation fails	Password too weak	Use a password with at least 8 characters, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 digit
Listener not starting	Port 1521 in use	Check for conflicting services on port 1521
Cannot connect	Wrong connect string	Verify the service name (`free` or `freepdb1`)
Service won't start	Wrong permissions	Run the service script as root
SELinux blocks installation	SELinux enforcing	Set SELinux to permissive and reboot
Firewall blocks connections	Firewall enabled	Configure or disable the firewall

Summary

Installing Oracle Database 23ai Free on Oracle Linux 9 using the RPM involves the following key steps:

Configure the Hosts File: Set the fully qualified hostname
Install the Preinstall Package: dnf install -y oracle-database-preinstall-23ai
Install the 23ai RPM: dnf -y localinstall /tmp/oracle-database-free-23ai-*.rpm
Create the Database: Run /etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai configure
Connect and Use: Connect to the CDB or PDB using SQL*Plus
Manage the Service: Use /etc/init.d/oracle-free-23ai start|stop

Key Points to Remember

The RPM installation is the simplest way to install Oracle Database
The preinstall package handles all kernel parameters and user setup automatically
The configuration script creates a demo database called FREE with a PDB called FREEPDB1
The ORACLE_HOME is /opt/oracle/product/23ai/dbhomeFree
The listener port is 1521
The service script provides start/stop functionality
No support contract is required — it's free to use

Why This Matters

The RPM installation of Oracle Database 23ai Free is significant because it:

Lowers the Barrier to Entry: Makes it easy for anyone to install and use Oracle Database
Saves Time: Eliminates the need for manual prerequisite setup
Provides a Standard Environment: Uses consistent paths and configuration
Supports Learning: Ideal for students, developers, and anyone exploring Oracle Database
Enables Rapid Prototyping: Allows developers to quickly set up a database for testing
Integrates with Linux Services: Provides standard service management

By following this guide, you can quickly and easily install Oracle Database 23ai Free on Oracle Linux 9, providing a fully functional Oracle Database environment for development, testing, or learning.

References

Oracle Database Documentation: Oracle Database Free Installation Guide
Oracle Database Documentation: Oracle Database 23ai New Features
Oracle Linux Documentation: Oracle Linux 9 Administrator's Guide
Oracle Download Page: Oracle Database 23ai Free RPM
Related Articles: Oracle Universal Installations (OUI) Silent Installations, Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA): Creating Databases in Silent Mode

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