How can I confirm a database is Oracle & what version it is using SQL?

Question

I'm building an installer for an application. The user gets to select a datasource they have configured and nominate what type of database it is. I want to confirm that the database type is indeed Oracle, and if possible, what version of Oracle they are running by sending a SQL statement to the datasource.

Answer 1

Run this SQL:

select * from v$version;

And you'll get a result like:

BANNER
----------------------------------------------------------------
Oracle Database 10g Release 10.2.0.3.0 - 64bit Production
PL/SQL Release 10.2.0.3.0 - Production
CORE    10.2.0.3.0      Production
TNS for Solaris: Version 10.2.0.3.0 - Production
NLSRTL Version 10.2.0.3.0 - Production

Answer 2

You can either use

SELECT * FROM v$version;

or

SET SERVEROUTPUT ON
EXEC dbms_output.put_line( dbms_db_version.version );

if you don't want to parse the output of v$version.

Answer 3

Two methods:

select * from v$version;

will give you:

Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition Release 11.1.0.6.0 - 64bit Production
PL/SQL Release 11.1.0.6.0 - Production
CORE 11.1.0.6.0 Production
TNS for Solaris: Version 11.1.0.6.0 - Production
NLSRTL Version 11.1.0.6.0 - Production

OR

select * from product_component_version;

will give you:

PRODUCT VERSION STATUS
NLSRTL  11.1.0.6.0 Production
Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition  11.1.0.6.0 64bit Production
PL/SQL  11.1.0.6.0 Production
TNS for Solaris:    11.1.0.6.0 Production