Oci_connect using easy connect naming method needs listener??

Question

Hi,
I was thinking that using the easy connect naming method in oci_connect does not require a running local tnslsnr!? Am I wrong?
I tried:
$db = '(DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = my-ora-host.example.com)(PORT = 1521)) (CONNECT_DATA = (SERVER = DEDICATED) (SERVICE_NAME = my-service.example.com)))';
// $db = '//my-ora-host.example.com:1521/my-service.example.com';
$ora_conn = oci_connect('test', 'test', $db);
Using both versions of the 'db' I receive the error:
mod_fcgid: stderr: PHP Warning: oci_connect(): ORA-12541: TNS:no listener in ....
I am using a self compiled PHP 5.3.8 using Oracles instantclient 11.2.0.3.0 (on Linux, 32bit).
There are NO special environment variables ( like ORACLE_HOME or TNS_ADMIN), because I was thinking that I don't need them...
Am I wrong? Is a running tnslsnr always required? Or am I doing wrong in specifying the connection string?
Any help is appreciated!
chuan

Answer 1

The connection strings are fine. They only control how PHP attempts to connect to the DB. The DB will need a listener started so that those incoming requests are handled. Use: 'lsnrctl start' on the DB machine.