Can the oracle client version be superior than Server's?

Question

Is it valid to have that kind of configuration?

E.g:

• Server Version 10g and Client Version 11g?
• Server Version 9i and Client Version 10g?

Answer 1

Yes, Oracle client drivers can talk to older versions of the server. I was using a 10g driver for a long time to access 8 and 9.

The technical term is "Client / Server Interoperability Support", see this page for links: http://blog.oracle48.nl/oracle-database-version-compatibility-and-support-matrix/

Direct links to Oracle (needs Oracle ID): Client / Server Interoperability Support