> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/workstations-and-servers/database-backup/preparing-linux-to-backup-oracle.md).

# Preparing Linux to backup Oracle

#### Oracle database backup involves generating a database dump using backup scripts and then backing up the resulting dump file.

***

## Linux preparation process

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Xopero ONE agent** requires the availability of the `rman` and `sqlplus` tools. Before starting, ensure that these tools are installed and accessible.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Using the **Linux** command line, log in to the account used for backing up your **Oracle** database and execute the following commands:

```bash
echo 'connect target /; quit' | rman
```

```bash
echo 'SELECT INSTANCE_NAME FROM V$INSTANCE;' | sqlplus / as sysdba
```

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If these tools are unavailable (example below) you need to configure the environment variables.

<figure><img src="/files/7OPJBrDkFU04oKe6gqEG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Edit the `/home//.bash_profile` file and add the following records:

```bash
export ORACLE_SID=<database_ID>
```

```bash
export ORACLE_HOME=database_directory
```

{% hint style="warning" %}
The `database_directory` specifies the location of the **Oracle** database.
{% endhint %}

```bash
export PATH=$ORACLE_HOME/bin:$PATH
```

<figure><img src="/files/BY1V4oAJYPJ06dKUVGoA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p><em>Example of correctly configured environment variables.</em></p></figcaption></figure>

2. Now, after logging in again, executing the following commands should complete successfully.

```bash
echo 'connect target /; quit' | rman
```

```bash
echo 'SELECT INSTANCE_NAME FROM V$INSTANCE;' | sqlplus / as sysdba
```

<figure><img src="/files/wVEv5F1ZFhOuaQeKy8Hi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Once done, your **Linux** system should now be ready to backup an **Oracle** environment.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/workstations-and-servers/database-backup/preparing-linux-to-backup-oracle.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.