This guide walks you through the quick and easy process of installing Oracle SQL Developer on Linux. You’ll learn about the necessary prerequisites, how to download and extract the installation package, and how to set it up properly. By following this tutorial, you’ll have Oracle SQL Developer running on your Linux system in no time.
Oracle SQL Developer is a popular Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for managing and developing SQL databases. If you’re a developer or database administrator working on Linux, installing SQL Developer can make your workflow faster and more efficient.
What Is an SQL Developer?
An SQL Developer is a tool that allows developers and database administrators to create, execute, and manage SQL (Structured Query Language) code for relational databases. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to make it easier to write, optimize, and debug SQL queries.
SQL Developer tools often include powerful features such as:
- Query execution and optimization
- Schema browsing and database design
- Code completion and syntax highlighting
- Data modeling and profiling
- Version control integration and debugging support
Key Features of Oracle SQL Developer
- Simple download and installation process
- Completely free development platform
- Comprehensive SQL IDE with built-in tools
- Supports full application development lifecycle
- Simplifies database modeling and management
Prerequisites to Install Oracle SQL Developer on Linux
Before installing Oracle SQL Developer, make sure your Linux system meets these requirements:
- Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
SQL Developer is a Java-based application, so you’ll need a compatible JRE. Oracle SQL Developer 22.2.1 requires Oracle Java 11.
You can install it using the following terminal command:sudo apt-get install default-jre - System Requirements
- At least 2 GB RAM
- Minimum 500 MB of free disk space
- Oracle Account
You’ll need an Oracle account to download SQL Developer. If you don’t have one, you can create it for free on the Oracle website.
How to Install Oracle SQL Developer on Linux
Once the prerequisites are met, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download SQL Developer
- Visit the official Oracle SQL Developer download page.
- Select the RPM package for Linux and download it to your system.
Step 2: Extract the Installation File
- Open your Downloads directory.
- Locate the downloaded file and double-click it.
- Choose Extract Here (or a similar option depending on your Linux distribution).
- Keep the default extraction path and wait for the process to finish.
Step 3: Launch SQL Developer
- Open the Terminal (press
Ctrl + Alt + T). - Navigate to the folder where you extracted SQL Developer using:
cd /path/to/sqldeveloper - Run the following command to launch SQL Developer:
./sqldeveloper.sh
Once launched, SQL Developer will open on your screen.
Troubleshooting Tip
If you encounter an error while launching SQL Developer, it may be due to multiple Java versions installed on your system. Make sure Java 11 is set as your default JRE before running SQL Developer again.
Conclusion
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed Oracle SQL Developer on Linux. With SQL Developer, you can easily manage and develop your databases using a powerful, user-friendly interface.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow developers. And if you run into any issues or have questions, drop them in the comments below — we’re happy to help!