Oracle and Toad – tnsnames.ora example

Getting Toad to work with Oracle doesn’t seem to be explained very well anywhere.

Here’s a quick list:

1. Download and Install TOAD from http://www.toadsoft.com/toad_oracle.htm
2. Download and Install the Oracle XE Client from http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/products/database/xe/htdocs/102xewinsoft.html
3. If you launch toad now, you should see XE as an option for connecting to Oracle
4. Create a tnsnames.ora file in C:/Program Files/Quest Software/Toad for Oracle FREEWARE/

Here is an example of a tnsnames.ora file for Toad

 IDENTIFIER =
  (DESCRIPTION =
    (ADDRESS_LIST =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP) (HOST = 192.168.0.123)(PORT = 1521))
    )
    (CONNECT_DATA = (SID = orcl))
  )

Once this file is there you can re-open Toad and use “IDENTIFIER” as
the connection identifier (drop down list). Toad will then know that it
has to connect to the oracle server at 192.168.0.123 on port 1521