Can Oracle.ManagedDataAccess NuGet (23.x) run in a 32-bit .NET Framework application?

Question

Hello Team,

I migrated from Oracle.DataAccess.dll (unmanaged) to Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.dll (managed) in a VB.NET application targeting .NET Framework 4.8 which is a 32-bit application. Oracle docs say managed driver requires 64-bit, but the NuGet assembly is AnyCPU and my app runs fine in x86 mode with managed dll via nugget.

• Is this officially unsupported but technically works?
• Are there risks for basic CRUD and small BLOB operations?
• Will future versions enforce 64-bit only?
• Should I use it in 32-bit application and deploy & deliver it.
• Do we require any support file to run my application with managed dll.

Environment:

• .NET Framework 4.8
• Oracle.ManagedDataAccess 23.26.0
• Windows 11 x64
• App currently runs as x86 because of legacy DLLs.

Thanks,
Aman Agrahari

Answer 1

The Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.dll (managed driver) is designed to be platform-agnostic, which means it can run in both 32-bit and 64-bit applications when compiled as AnyCPU. Since you mentioned that your application is targeting .NET Framework 4.8 and runs in x86 mode, it is technically feasible to use the managed driver in this environment.

However, there are a few considerations:

1. Official Support: While the managed driver can run in a 32-bit application, Oracle's documentation may suggest that it is optimized for 64-bit environments. Therefore, using it in a 32-bit application might not be officially supported, even if it works.
2. Risks for CRUD and BLOB Operations: For basic CRUD operations and small BLOB handling, it should work without significant issues. However, performance and stability could vary, especially under load or with larger data operations, since the driver is primarily intended for 64-bit systems.
3. Future Versions: It is uncertain whether future versions will enforce 64-bit only. Keeping an eye on the release notes from Oracle for the managed driver will provide insights into any changes regarding platform support.
4. Deployment Considerations: If you decide to use it in your 32-bit application, ensure thorough testing to confirm that all functionalities work as expected before deployment.
5. Support Files: Generally, the managed driver does not require additional support files beyond the DLL itself, but you should verify if there are any specific dependencies based on your application's requirements.

In summary, while it is technically possible to use Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.dll in a 32-bit application, be mindful of the potential risks and lack of official support. Testing is crucial to ensure that your specific use case functions correctly.

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References:

• System Requirements for the .NET Framework Data Provider for Oracle

Answer 2

Thank you for reaching out!

Yes, the observation is correct. Oracle.ManagedDataAccess.dll is compiled as AnyCPU and can run in an x68 process. That's why your 32-bit VB.NET app targeting .NET Framework 4.8 works fine with the NuGet managed driver.

 

Oracle.ManagementDataAccess (23.x) is a fully managed, AnyCPU driver and can run in a 32-bit(.x64) .NET Framework application.

 Although some Oracle documentation recommends 64-bit environments, the managed driver does not enforce a 64-bit requirement and works correctly in x86 mode for standard operations such as CRUD and small blob handling.

The current approach is safe for deployment: however, oracle may increasingly prefer 64-bit platforms in future release, so migrating to x64 is recommended when legacy dependencies allow.

 

 

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