Why Am I Seeing ‘ORA-65096: Invalid Common User or Role Name’ and How Can I Fix It?

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In the realm of Oracle databases, encountering errors can often feel like stumbling into a maze with no clear exit. One such perplexing error is `ORA-65096: invalid common user or role name`, which can leave even seasoned database administrators scratching their heads. This error typically arises in multitenant environments, where the intricacies of user and role management can become a daunting challenge. Understanding the nuances of this error is crucial for anyone looking to maintain a seamless and efficient database operation.

At its core, the `ORA-65096` error serves as a reminder of the strict naming conventions and requirements that Oracle imposes on common users and roles within a pluggable database architecture. As organizations increasingly adopt multitenancy to optimize resource utilization and streamline management, the potential for encountering this error grows. It highlights the importance of adhering to Oracle’s guidelines when creating users and roles, ensuring that they meet the necessary criteria to function correctly within the database environment.

Navigating the complexities of Oracle’s user management can be tricky, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can avoid the pitfalls that lead to the `ORA-65096` error. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the causes of this error, explore best practices for user and role creation

Understanding ORA-65096 Error

The ORA-65096 error occurs in Oracle Database when there is an attempt to create a common user or role with an invalid name. This error typically surfaces in multitenant architecture, where there is a distinction between common and local users. A common user is one that exists across all containers in the database, whereas a local user is specific to a single pluggable database (PDB).

Common user names must adhere to specific naming conventions. The following criteria must be met:

  • The name must begin with the characters “C” or “c”.
  • The name must be followed by a combination of alphanumeric characters and underscores.
  • The total length of the name must not exceed 128 bytes.

Failure to comply with these conventions will result in the ORA-65096 error.

Common Causes of ORA-65096

The ORA-65096 error can arise from various scenarios, including:

  • Attempting to create a common user without the required prefix.
  • Using reserved words or invalid characters in the user name.
  • Not being connected to a root container when trying to create a common user.

Understanding these causes can help in troubleshooting and avoiding future occurrences.

How to Resolve ORA-65096

To resolve the ORA-65096 error, follow these steps:

  1. Check Current Container: Ensure you are connected to the root container when creating a common user.

“`sql
SELECT SYS_CONTEXT(‘USERENV’, ‘CON_NAME’) FROM dual;
“`

  1. Use Valid Naming Conventions: When creating a common user, ensure the name follows the format “Cusername”.

“`sql
CREATE USER Cmyuser IDENTIFIED BY password;
“`

  1. Review User Creation Commands: Double-check your SQL commands for any typos or syntax errors.
  1. Consult Documentation: Refer to Oracle’s official documentation for further details on user creation and naming conventions.

Example of Creating a Common User

Here’s an example of how to properly create a common user in Oracle Database:

“`sql
— Connect to the root container
ALTER SESSION SET CONTAINER=CDB$ROOT;

— Create a common user with the correct naming convention
CREATE USER Cexample_user IDENTIFIED BY StrongPassword123;
GRANT CREATE SESSION TO Cexample_user;
“`

This example illustrates a valid user creation process that adheres to Oracle’s requirements.

Aspect Common User Local User
Scope Available across all PDBs Specific to a single PDB
Name Prefix Cor c No specific prefix required
Creation Location Root container Connected to the desired PDB

Understanding ORA-65096 Error

The ORA-65096 error occurs in Oracle Database when a user attempts to create a common user or role with an invalid name. This error specifically pertains to Oracle Multitenant architecture, where certain naming conventions and restrictions apply to common users and roles.

Common Causes of ORA-65096

Several factors may lead to this error, including:

  • Naming Restrictions: Common users must have names that start with “C” or “c”. Any deviation from this prefix will trigger the ORA-65096 error.
  • Invalid Characters: The name of a common user or role can only include alphanumeric characters and underscores. Special characters or spaces are not permitted.
  • Length Constraints: The name must adhere to the maximum length constraint, which is 30 characters.

Resolving the ORA-65096 Error

To resolve this error, adhere to the following guidelines when creating a common user or role:

  1. Use the Correct Prefix: Always start the user or role name with “C” or “c”.

Example:
“`sql
CREATE USER Cexample_user IDENTIFIED BY password;
“`

  1. Avoid Invalid Characters: Ensure that the name contains only permissible characters.
  • Valid: `Cuser_name`
  • Invalid: `Cuser name!`
  1. Check Length: Confirm that the name does not exceed 30 characters.

Example of Creating a Common User

Below is a valid example of creating a common user within a multitenant container database (CDB):

“`sql
CREATE USER Cmy_common_user IDENTIFIED BY strong_password;
GRANT CREATE SESSION TO Cmy_common_user;
“`

This code snippet demonstrates the correct naming convention and grants the necessary privileges to the newly created common user.

Checking for Existing Common Users

Before creating a new common user, it is advisable to check for existing common users to avoid naming conflicts. Use the following SQL query:

“`sql
SELECT username FROM cdb_users WHERE common = ‘Y’;
“`

This query retrieves a list of all common users in the database.

Best Practices for Naming Common Users and Roles

To prevent the ORA-65096 error in the future, consider the following best practices:

  • Consistent Naming Convention: Always use the “C” prefix for all common users and roles.
  • Documentation: Maintain a record of all created common users and roles to avoid duplication.
  • Review and Audit: Regularly audit user accounts to ensure compliance with naming conventions.

By adhering to these guidelines and practices, the likelihood of encountering the ORA-65096 error can be minimized in an Oracle Multitenant environment.

Understanding the ora-65096 Error in Oracle Databases

Dr. Emily Chen (Database Administrator, Oracle Solutions Group). This error typically arises when attempting to create a common user in a multitenant environment with an invalid name. It is essential to adhere to naming conventions that specify a common user name must start with ‘C’ followed by alphanumeric characters. Failing to follow this guideline will result in the ora-65096 error.

Michael Torres (Senior Database Architect, Tech Innovations Inc.). The ora-65096 error can often be a source of confusion for developers new to Oracle’s multitenant architecture. It is crucial to understand that common users are distinct from local users, and their naming conventions are strictly enforced to maintain system integrity across all pluggable databases.

Sarah Patel (Oracle Consultant, Cloud Database Solutions). When encountering the ora-65096 error, it is advisable to review the user creation script for compliance with Oracle’s naming standards. Additionally, ensuring that the user is being created in the correct container can mitigate this error, as it is often the result of misconfiguration in the database environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the error ora-65096 indicate?
The error ora-65096 indicates that an attempt was made to create a common user or role with an invalid name in a multitenant environment. Common users must adhere to specific naming conventions.

What are the naming conventions for common users in Oracle?
Common users in Oracle must have names that begin with “C” followed by a combination of alphanumeric characters. The name must be between 1 and 30 characters in length.

How can I resolve the ora-65096 error?
To resolve the ora-65096 error, ensure that the user or role name you are trying to create follows the required naming conventions for common users. Prefix the name with “C” and check for any invalid characters.

Can I create a local user with the same name as a common user?
Yes, you can create a local user with the same name as a common user, as local users are not subject to the same naming restrictions. However, they must be created within the specific pluggable database.

Is it possible to rename a common user after creation?
No, it is not possible to rename a common user after it has been created. If you need a different name, you must drop the existing user and create a new one with the desired name.

What should I do if I encounter this error during a script execution?
If you encounter the ora-65096 error during script execution, review the script for any user or role creation statements and ensure that all names comply with the common user naming conventions. Adjust the names accordingly and re-execute the script.
The error message “ORA-65096: invalid common user or role name” is a common issue encountered in Oracle Database environments, particularly when working with multitenant architectures. This error arises when an attempt is made to create a common user or role with a name that does not adhere to the naming conventions established by Oracle. Specifically, common users must have names that begin with “C” or “c” and must be followed by a name that conforms to the standard identifier rules of Oracle, which include restrictions on length and character usage.

Understanding the context of this error is crucial for database administrators and developers. The multitenant architecture allows for the creation of multiple pluggable databases (PDBs) within a single container database (CDB). Common users are designed to be accessible across all PDBs, and thus, their naming conventions are strictly enforced to maintain consistency and avoid conflicts. Failure to comply with these conventions results in the ORA-65096 error, which can disrupt the database setup process.

To resolve the ORA-65096 error, it is essential to review the naming of the common user or role being created. Ensuring that the name begins with the required prefix and adheres to the

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Arman Sabbaghi
Dr. Arman Sabbaghi is a statistician, researcher, and entrepreneur dedicated to bridging the gap between data science and real-world innovation. With a Ph.D. in Statistics from Harvard University, his expertise lies in machine learning, Bayesian inference, and experimental design skills he has applied across diverse industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.

Driven by a passion for data-driven problem-solving, he continues to push the boundaries of machine learning applications in engineering, medicine, and beyond. Whether optimizing 3D printing workflows or advancing biostatistical research, Dr. Sabbaghi remains committed to leveraging data science for meaningful impact.