Oracle Client Patchset

When Oracle releases a database (RDBMS) version, it releases a corresponding client. For example, for 11.2.0.1.0 database server, aix.ppc64_11gR2_client.zip and aix.ppc32_11gR2_client.zip are client files. If you want to upgrade your client (i.e. from 11.2.0.1 to 11.2.0.3), you have to use the server patchset. Document 438049.1 says "For database and client upgrade use the same patch set. There is no separate patch set for client".

Document 207303.1 provides a matrix summarizing client and server combinations that are supported Oracle.

To install Oracle client utilities, choose "Custom" during the installation. Document 437377.1 shows how to install SQL*Loader on the 10G client:

The steps to install SQL*Loader in client in Custom Installation :

1) Start the Oracle Universal Installer (OUI) from the client source (CD)

2) Choose 'Installation Type'
==> Select the "Custom" and then continue with 'Next'

3) Choose the ORACLE_HOME, continue with 'Next'

4) In the 'Available Product Components' Screen
==> Select the "Oracle Database Utilities" and then continue with 'Next'
Note: Only components with a check mark are installed.

5) At the "Summary" screen Click "Install"

Finish the installation. This will Install SQL Loader.

You will be able to find the "sqlldr.exe" (or "sqlldr") in the directory %ORACLE_HOME%\bin in Windows and $ORACLE_HOME\bin in UNIX