Step-by-Step Guide to Install Oracle AI Database 26ai Free on Oracle Linux 9

• Pradip
• 16 Oct, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 4 Mins Read

Step-by-Step Guide to Install Oracle AI Database 26ai Free on Oracle Linux 9

Oracle recently unveiled Oracle AI Database Free 26ai, the next-generation, AI-powered database designed to simplify AI integration directly inside the database engine. This free edition brings Oracle’s AI capabilities to developers, learners, and small-scale test environments — all at no cost.

In this guide, we’ll go step-by-step through how to install Oracle AI Database 26ai Free on Oracle Linux 9.

System Requirements (Free Edition Limits)

The Free Edition comes with these limits:

This lightweight footprint makes it ideal for learning, labs, or small proof-of-concept deployments.

Step 1: Configure Hostname and Hosts File

First, set the hostname and update your /etc/hosts file:

[root@OL95 ~]# vi /etc/hosts
192.168.1.31 OL95DB

[root@OL95 ~]# vi /etc/hostname
OL95DB

Step 2: Prepare the Local Repository

Mount the Oracle Linux ISO and create a local repository for package installation:

[root@OL95DB ~]# mkdir /dvd
[root@OL95DB ~]# mount /dev/sr0 /dvd
mount: /dvd: WARNING: source write-protected, mounted read-only.
[root@OL95DB ~]# rm -rf /etc/yum.repos.d/*

Now create the repo file /etc/yum.repos.d/OL9.repo:

[root@OL95DB ~]# vi /etc/yum.repos.d/OL9.repo

Add:

[InstallMedia-BaseOS]
name=Oracle Linux 9 - BaseOS
baseurl=file:///dvd/BaseOS/
metadata_expire=-1
gpgcheck=0
enabled=1

[InstallMedia-AppStream]
name=Oracle Linux 9 - AppStream
baseurl=file:///dvd/AppStream/
metadata_expire=-1
gpgcheck=0
enabled=1

Step 2: Download the Oracle 23ai Free RPM Package

Oracle provides the 23ai Free package as a simple RPM file. We’ll download it directly from Oracle’s official website.

Navigate to the Oracle 23ai Free download page:
https://www.oracle.com/database/technologies/xe-downloads.html

Accept the license agreement and copy the link for the Oracle Linux 9 RPM. Back in your terminal, use wget to download it. (Replace the URL if a newer version is available).

wget https://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/otn_software/db-express/oracle-database-23ai-free-1.0-1.el9.x86_64.rpm

Step 3: Install the Pre-Install RPM (Crucial Step!)

Oracle provides a special RPM that automatically handles all the operating system prerequisites for you, such as creating the oracle user and installing required packages. This is a huge time-saver!

Install it using dnf:

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

This step will take a few minutes. You’ll see it creating the oracle user, groups, and installing numerous dependency packages.

Step 4: Install the Oracle 23ai Free RPM

Now, install the main database RPM package we downloaded in Step 2. You can use either dnf localinstall or rpm -i, but dnf automatically handles dependencies better.

sudo dnf -y localinstall oracle-ai-database-free-26ai-23.26.0-1.el9.x86_64.rpm

What to expect during installation:

• The package is quite large (about 1.3 GB)

• The transaction will run several checks

• You’ll see the progress of the installation

• Crucially, you’ll see this success message:

[INFO] Executing post installation scripts...
[INFO] Oracle home installed successfully and ready to be configured.
To configure Oracle AI Database Free, optionally modify the parameters in '/etc/sysconfig/oracle-free-26ai.conf' and then run '/etc/init.d/oracle-free-26ai configure' as root.

This confirms the software is installed but the database instance isn’t created yet. The installation is complete when you see “Complete!” at the end.

Step 5: Review Configuration File

Before configuration, check the file /etc/sysconfig/oracle-free-26ai.conf:

[root@OL95DB ~]# cat /etc/sysconfig/oracle-free-26ai.conf

Key parameters:

CHARSET=AL32UTF8
CONFIGURE_TDE=false
SKIP_VALIDATIONS=false

You can adjust values like listener port, database file path, or TDE encryption if required.

Step 6: Configure the Database

Run the configuration script:

[root@OL95DB ~]# /etc/init.d/oracle-free-26ai configure

During setup, you’ll be prompted for passwords (for SYS, SYSTEM, and PDBADMIN).

Sample output:

Database creation complete.
Global Database Name: FREE
SID: FREE

Log file location:

/opt/oracle/cfgtoollogs/dbca/FREE/FREE.log

Connection strings:

• Container Database: OL95DB
• Pluggable Database: OL95DB/FREEPDB1

Step 7: Set Environment Variables

Switch to the Oracle user and edit .bash_profile:

[oracle@OL95DB ~]$ vi ~/.bash_profile

Add:

export ORACLE_SID=FREE
export ORACLE_BASE=/opt/oracle
export ORACLE_HOME=/opt/oracle/product/26ai/dbhomeFree
export PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin

Reload the profile:

source ~/.bash_profile

Step 8: Connect to the Database

Now connect to your AI-powered Oracle Database:

[oracle@OL95DB ~]$ sqlplus "/as sysdba"

Expected output:

Connected to:
Oracle AI Database 26ai Free Release 23.26.0.0.0 - Develop, Learn, and Run for Free

Check available PDBs:

SQL> show pdbs;

    CON_ID CON_NAME     OPEN MODE  RESTRICTED
---------- ------------- ---------- ----------
         2 PDB$SEED     READ ONLY  NO
         3 FREEPDB1     READ WRITE NO

Your Oracle AI Database 26ai Free instance is now ready for development and AI experimentation!

Final Thoughts

Oracle AI Database 26ai marks a major step forward — blending traditional database power with built-in AI and vector capabilities.
This free version is an excellent playground for DBAs, AI developers, and students looking to explore the future of intelligent databases.

At Learnomate Technologies, we make sure you not only understand such cutting-edge features but also know how to implement them in real-world projects. Whether you’re a beginner looking to break into the database world or an experienced professional upgrading your skillset—we’ve got your back with the most practical, hands-on training in Oracle technologies.

Happy Vibes!

ANKUSH

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