Oracle: converting a TNS entry with SID to instantclient?

Question

How do I convert a TNS entry that has a SID to instantclient format?

I'm able to connect with a TNS string but not with the equivalent (I thought!) instantclient string.

$ ./sqlplus 'myname/mypass@(DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=myhost.example.com)(PORT=1521))(CONNECT_DATA=(SID=mysid)))'
Connected to: ...

$ ./sqlplus myname/mypass@//myhost.example.com:1521/mysid

ERROR:
ORA-12514: TNS:listener does not currently know of service requested in connect descriptor

Answer 1

Use your working connection that connects using the SID to find which services are in the database. If you are connected run:

select name, blocked from v$active_services;

and use one of the names you get to connect to.

sqlplus myname/mypass@//myhost.example.com:1521/{a name from query}