Yes, you read that right. We’re setting up an Oracle Database in less time than it takes to make a latte. We’ll be using Oracle’s free tier on their cloud, which means no cost and a decent amount of compute resources.
You can create your own account and follow along here: https://www.oracle.com/cloud/free/
And if you’re a hands-on type who likes to work locally, you have a few options too. Here’s how you can set up Oracle db on your machine:
Docker/Podman – for container lovers.
Oracle VirtualBox – classic VM-style.
Linux (8, 9 and Linux 8 for Arm) – for the brave.
Windows – it’s Windows. Enough said.
See full instructions here: https://www.oracle.com/database/free/get-started/
Step 1: Sign up for the Free Tier
Ready to start? Click the 'Start for free' button and complete the setup.
Quick PSA: Don’t use a VPN or hide location during setup. Oracle’s account creation checks for this stuff. It’s their way of preventing every crypto miner from flooding the free tier for the free compute resources.
After signing up, you’ll get an email from Oracle Cloud (OCI) asking to confirm your email. Just click the link and complete the registration.
Next, create a password, specify if it’s a personal or business account, and choose a region. Pro tip: your chosen region decides where your database lives. If you want to try out Oracle Database 23ai on the free tier, make sure you pick one of these regions (more regions coming very soon):
• US West: Phoenix (PHX)
• US East: Ashburn (IAD)
• UK South: London (LHR)
• France Central: Paris (CDG)
See this site for any new updates: https://docs.oracle.com/en-us/iaas/autonomous-database-serverless/doc/autonomous-always-free-23ai.html
Step 2: Address and Card Details
Now for the wallet check. Oracle needs to verify your card to make sure you’re human (and to keep those bitcoin miners out). Use the exact billing address tied to your card—down to the “St.” vs. “Street” formatting. Real-world example: if your card says “10 Apple TREE St.,” make sure you enter it just like that, or Oracle’s system might not play nice.
Good news: You won’t be charged. This is an “always free” setup, so unless you decide to upgrade for paid services, and specifically enable that, you’re in the clear.
Oracle Cloud Free 101: The Two Parts
Oracle Cloud’s free model has two parts:
Free Tier
Always free
Free Tier (Trial) - When you first create your cloud account, you're given $300 worth of cloud resources that work for 30 days. It’s a trial. You can test out difference services on Oracles cloud BUT after the 30 days are over, if you dont upgrade your account, any of the resources you created (with your $300 worth of free credit) will be stoped. You would need to MANUALLY upgrade. If you don't upgrade you wont be charged. Anything you created with your credits are reclaimed by Oracle unless you upgrade your account.
Always Free - After the trial ends, your account switches to “always free,” letting you create only fully free resources. Check out this for a list of free cloud resources you can create with your Oracle Cloud account.
Step 3: Set Up Your Database
Now, let’s create that database. Open the top-left “hamburger” menu, click Oracle Database, and select Autonomous Database (ADB).
Stick with the default compartment, then give your database a name. For fun, I’m going with “db23ai.” Select Transaction Processing, keep it serverless, set a password, and click Create Autonomous Database. Oracle’s servers will do the heavy lifting, and in about five minutes, you’ll see it turn green and say “Available.”
(Optional) Step 4: Connect and Start Exploring
With the database live, select Database Actions and click on the SQL tile. This opens SQL Developer Web in a new tab—Oracle’s browser-based SQL playground.
You’re set. You now have Oracle Database 23ai ready for use on Oracle Cloud.
- Killian
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