How can I deploy a .NET application that uses ODAC without installing the whole component to the user?

You don't need to install any Oracle client separately.I installed the following in the same directory as the .exe:

   Oracle.DataAccess.dll   oci.dll    OraOps11w.dll   oraociei11.dll   msvcr71.dll 

Make sure your project references the same Oracle.DataAccess.dll that you are delivering.This worked on a fresh pc which had never had oracle clients installed.

I avoided using TNSNAMES.ora by specifiying a connection string like this

connectionstring = Data Source="(DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=)(PORT=))" + "(CONNECT_DATA=(SERVER = DEDICATED)(SERVICE_NAME = )))"

If you are using TNSNAMES.ora just cut and paste the connection details into a single line string.

see What is the minimum client footprint required to connect C# to an Oracle database?

for more information.

• ejm

For information on how to obtain the above dlls, see this tutorial: http://begeeben.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/accessing-oracle-database-without-installing-oracle-client/

Since this question was posted, the Oracle Managed Client is now available (provided by Oracle). I have been using it with no problems. Does not require hunting for DLL's or special configuration. Just add the package, modify configuration file, and you're set. NuGet Link and an article by Oracle about it..

Since this client is written entirely in .NET Managed code, it's architecture independent and there is no need for external DLL's, installing an Oracle Client, or anything like that.

You can install it in VS using Package Manager.

Install-Package Oracle.ManagedDataAccess

I've taken to putting this in the machine.config file (though it'll also work in web.config or app.config). I've found that this helps avoid conflicts with other drivers that may be installed:

<configuration>    <system.data>        <DbProviderFactories>          <remove invariant="Oracle.DataAccess.Client" />          <remove invariant="Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Client" />          <add name="ODP.NET, Managed Driver"               invariant="Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Client"               description="Oracle Data Provider for .NET, Managed Driver"               type="Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Client.OracleClientFactory, Oracle.ManagedDataAccess, Version=4.121.1.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=89b483f429c47342"/>        </DbProviderFactories>      </system.data><configuration>

Then for your connection string:

 <add name="MyConnectionString" connectionString="Data Source=(DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS_LIST=(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=IPORNAMEOFHOST)(PORT=PORTNUM)))(CONNECT_DATA=(SERVER=DEDICATED)(SERVICE_NAME=ORACLESID)));User Id=ORACLEUSER;Password=ORACLEPASSWORD;" providerName="Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.Client"/>

• IPORNAMEOFHOST= This is the IP address or DNS name of your server.
• PORTNUM= This is the port number that Oracle is listening at. Typically 1521.
• ORACLESID= The SID of the database you're trying to connect to.
• ORACLEUSER= The username to use for the connection.
• ORACLEPASSWORD= The password to use for the connection.

I'm not sure whether your concern is about having to install the Oracle client in addition to the ~50 MB ODAC install or just the standalone ODAC.

If the concern is about having to install the Oracle client and the ODAC, you can use the Oracle Instant Client? That's the smallest footprint method for installing the Oracle client. You'll also need the ODAC xcopy supplement.

If your concern is just the ODAC install, I don't think there is a smaller footprint available.