diff --git a/samples/tutorial/Python-and-Oracle-Database-12c-Scripting-for-the-Future.html b/samples/tutorial/Python-and-Oracle-Database-12c-Scripting-for-the-Future.html
index e5e0d425..bbb7ae54 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/Python-and-Oracle-Database-12c-Scripting-for-the-Future.html
+++ b/samples/tutorial/Python-and-Oracle-Database-12c-Scripting-for-the-Future.html
@@ -17,16 +17,18 @@ <h2>Contents</h2>
 
   <ul>
     <li><a href="#preface" >Preface</a></li>
+    <li><a href="#connectioninformation" >Connection Information</a></li>
     <li><a href="#overview" >Overview</a></li>
     <li><a href="#lab" >Using Python cx_Oracle 6 with Oracle Database 12c</a></li>
     <ul>
       <li><a href="#connecting">1. Connecting to Oracle</a>
         <ul>
-          <li>1.1 Creating a basic connection</li>
-          <li>1.2 Indentation indicates code structure</li>
-          <li>1.3 Executing a query</li>
-          <li>1.4 Closing connections</li>
-          <li>1.5 Checking versions</li>
+          <li>1.1 Set the connection values</li>
+          <li>1.2 Creating a basic connection</li>
+          <li>1.3 Indentation indicates code structure</li>
+          <li>1.4 Executing a query</li>
+          <li>1.5 Closing connections</li>
+          <li>1.6 Checking versions</li>
         </ul>
       </li>
       <li><a href="#pooling">2. Connection Pooling</a>
@@ -103,25 +105,43 @@ <h2><a name="preface">Preface</a></h2>
   preconfigured with Oracle Database, Python 3.6, cx_Oracle 6.0, a
   text editor, and access to a terminal console.</p>
 
-  <p>To set up a similar environment yourself, install:</p>
+  <p>To set up a similar environment yourself, install the following required software:</p>
 
-  <ul>
-    <li>Python 3.6</li>
-    <li>cx_Oracle 6.0</li>
-    <li>Oracle Database 12c</li>
-  </ul>
-
-  <p>It is easist to have a local pluggable database with the service
-  'orclpdb' configured.  If your database is not local, or has a
-  different service, you will need to modify the connect string in all
-  samples.</p>
+<ol>
+  <li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.python.org/">Python</a> (3.6 preferred but 2.7 should work)</li>
+  <li>cx_Oracle (6.2.1 preferred any 6.x should work) and Oracle Instant Client Package - Basic (12.2 preferred 12.1 should work)
+    <ul>
+      <li><a target="_blank" href="http://cx-oracle.readthedocs.io/en/latest/installation.html#installing-cx-oracle-on-linux">Linux</a></li>
+      <li><a target="_blank" href="http://cx-oracle.readthedocs.io/en/latest/installation.html#installing-cx-oracle-on-macos">macOS</a> - please note the special instructions for macOS in the link.</li>
+      <li><a target="_blank" href="http://cx-oracle.readthedocs.io/en/latest/installation.html#installing-cx-oracle-on-windows">Windows</a></li>
+    </ul>
+  </li>
+  <li>Oracle <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/database/database-technologies/instant-client/overview/index.html">Instant Client Package - SQL*Plus</a> OR Oracle <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/developer-tools/sqlcl/downloads/index.html">SQLcl</a></li>
+</ol>
 
-  <p>To create the schema run:</p>
+<p>To create the schema run:</p>
 
 <pre>
 sqlplus sys/yoursyspassword@localhost/orclpdb as sysdba @sql/SetupSamples
 </pre>
 
+  <h2><a name="connectioninformation">Connection Information</a></h2>
+
+  <p>The database connection information is set in two files:
+    <ul>
+      <li>db_config.py which is imported by the other Python modules.</li>
+      <li>db_config.sql which is used by the other SQL scripts.</li>
+    </ul>
+  </p>
+
+  <p>The username is "pythonhol" with
+  the password "welcome".  The connect string is "localhost/orclpdb".
+  See <code>sql/SampleEnv.sql</code>.</p>
+
+  <p>It is easist to have a local pluggable database with the service
+  'orclpdb' configured.  If your database is not local, or has a
+  different service, you will need to modify the connection information in db_config.py and db_config.sql.</p>
+
   <p>The following sections may need adjusting, depending on how you
   have set up your environment.</p>
 
@@ -138,10 +158,6 @@ <h2><a name="overview">Overview</a></h2>
 
   <p>Use the Desktop icons to start editors and terminal windows.</p>
 
-  <p> A pre-created schema exists.  The username is "pythonhol" with
-  the password "welcome".  The connect string is "localhost/orclpdb".
-  See <code>sql/SampleEnv.sql</code>.</p>
-
   <p>If you are new to Python review the <a href="#primer">Appendix:
   Python Primer</a> to gain an understanding of the language. </p>
 
@@ -156,11 +172,32 @@ <h2><a name="lab">Using Python cx_Oracle 6 with Oracle Database 12c</a></h2>
       <h3><a name="connecting">1. Connecting to Oracle</a></h3>
       <ul>
         <li>
-          <h4>1.1 Creating a basic connection</h4>
+          <h4>1.1 Set the connection values</h4>
+          <p>Review the code contained in <code>db_config.py</code> and <code>db_config.sql</code>:</p>
+           <code>db_config.py</code>
+          <pre>
+user = "pythonhol"
+pw = "welcome"
+dsn = "localhost/orclpdb"
+</pre>
+ <code>db_config.sql</code>
+           <pre>
+def user = "pythonhol"
+def pw = "welcome"
+def connect_string = "localhost/orclpdb"
+</pre>
+          <p>Modify the values in both files to match the connection information for your environment.</p>
+
+        </li>
+
+        <li>
+          <h4>1.2 Creating a basic connection</h4>
           <p>Review the code contained in <code>connect.py</code>:</p>
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 print("Database version:", con.version)
 </pre>
 
@@ -168,9 +205,9 @@ <h4>1.1 Creating a basic connection</h4>
           accessing the Oracle database. Many inbuilt and third party
           modules can be included in this way in Python scripts.</p>
 
-          <p> The <code>connect()</code> method is passed the username
-          "pythonhol", the password "welcome" and the connection
-          string. In this case, Oracle's Easy Connect connection
+          <p> The <code>connect()</code> method is passed the username,
+          the password and the connection string that you configured in
+          the db_config.py module. In this case, Oracle's Easy Connect connection
           string syntax is used. It consists of the hostname of your
           machine, <code>localhost</code>, and the database service name
           <code>orclpdb</code>. </p>
@@ -192,7 +229,7 @@ <h4>1.1 Creating a basic connection</h4>
         </li>
 
         <li>
-          <h4>1.2 Indentation indicates code structure</h4>
+          <h4>1.3 Indentation indicates code structure</h4>
 
           <p>There are no statement terminators or begin/end keywords
           or braces to indicate blocks of code.</p>
@@ -202,7 +239,9 @@ <h4>1.2 Indentation indicates code structure</h4>
 
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
   print("Database version:", con.version)
 </pre>
 
@@ -224,20 +263,24 @@ <h4>1.2 Indentation indicates code structure</h4>
         </li>
 
         <li>
-          <h4>1.3 Executing a query</h4>
+          <h4>1.4 Executing a query</h4>
 
           <p>Open <code>query.py</code> in an editor.  It looks like:</p>
 
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 </pre>
 
           <p>Edit the file and add the code shown in bold below:</p>
 
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 <strong>cur = con.cursor()
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
@@ -261,7 +304,7 @@ <h4>1.3 Executing a query</h4>
         </li>
 
         <li>
-          <h4>1.4 Closing connections</h4>
+          <h4>1.5 Closing connections</h4>
 
           <p>Connections and other resources used by cx_Oracle will
           automatically be closed at the end of scope.  This is a common
@@ -275,7 +318,9 @@ <h4>1.4 Closing connections</h4>
 
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
@@ -290,13 +335,17 @@ <h4>1.4 Closing connections</h4>
 
           <pre><strong>python query.py</strong></pre>
 
-          <p>This gives the error "cx_Oracle.DatabaseError: DPI-1054: connection cannot be closed when open statements or LOBs exist".</p>
+          <p>If you are using cx_Oracle 6.2+ the connection will close and you can skip ahead to section 1.6.</p>
+
+          <p>If you are using an older version of cx_Oracle, this gives the error "cx_Oracle.DatabaseError: DPI-1054: connection cannot be closed when open statements or LOBs exist".</p>
 
           <p>To fix this, edit the file and close the cursor:</p>
 
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
@@ -317,13 +366,15 @@ <h4>1.4 Closing connections</h4>
         </li>
 
         <li>
-          <h4>1.5 Checking versions</h4>
+          <h4>1.6 Checking versions</h4>
 
           <p>Review the code contained in <code>versions.py</code>:</p>
 
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 print(cx_Oracle.version)</pre>
 
@@ -337,7 +388,9 @@ <h4>1.5 Checking versions</h4>
 
           <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 print(cx_Oracle.version)
 <strong>print("Database version:", con.version)
@@ -373,8 +426,9 @@ <h4>1.5 Checking versions</h4>
       <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
 import threading
+import db_config
 
-pool = cx_Oracle.<strong>SessionPool</strong>("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb",
+pool = cx_Oracle.<strong>SessionPool</strong>(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn,
                              min = 2, max = 5, increment = 1, threaded = True)
 
 def Query():
@@ -398,7 +452,7 @@ <h4>1.5 Checking versions</h4>
 </pre>
 
           <p>The <code>SessionPool()</code> function creates a pool of
-          Oracle "sessions" for the "pythonhol" user.  Sessions in the pool
+          Oracle "sessions" for the user.  Sessions in the pool
           can be used by cx_Oracle connections by calling
           <code>pool.acquire()</code>.  The initial pool size is 2 sessions.
           The maximum size is 5 sessions.  When the pool needs to grow, 1 new
@@ -445,8 +499,9 @@ <h4>2.2 Session pool experiments</h4>
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
 import threading
+import db_config
 
-pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb",
+pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn,
                              min = 2, max = 5, increment = 1, threaded = True)
 
 def Query():
@@ -533,7 +588,9 @@ <h4>2.3 Creating a DRCP Connection</h4>
 
   <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb<strong>:pooled</strong>",
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn + "<strong>:pooled</strong>",
                         cclass=&quot;PYTHONHOL&quot;, purity=cx_Oracle.ATTR_PURITY_SELF)
 print("Database version:", con.version)
 </pre>
@@ -575,7 +632,7 @@ <h4>2.4 Session pooling and DRCP</h4>
 import cx_Oracle
 import threading
 
-pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb<strong>:pooled</strong>",
+pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn <strong>+ ":pooled"</strong>,
                              min = 2, max = 5, increment = 1, threaded = True)
 
 def Query():
@@ -658,7 +715,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
+
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
@@ -691,8 +750,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
@@ -720,8 +780,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
   <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
@@ -761,8 +822,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
     <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor(scrollable = True)
 
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
@@ -826,8 +888,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
 import time
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 start = time.time()
 
@@ -898,8 +961,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.prepare("select * from dept where deptno = :id order by deptno")
@@ -952,8 +1016,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 rows = [ (1, &quot;First&quot; ), (2, &quot;Second&quot; ),
@@ -1018,8 +1083,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 rows = [ (1, &quot;First&quot; ), (2, &quot;Second&quot; ),
@@ -1067,6 +1133,7 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
   Spatial Data Objects (SDO).</p>
 
   <p>In a terminal window, start SQL*Plus:</p>
+  <p>(Modify the following command to use your connection values.)</p>
 
   <pre>
 sqlplus pythonhol/welcome@localhost/orclpdb
@@ -1094,8 +1161,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 # Create table
@@ -1257,8 +1325,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 res = cur.callfunc('myfunc', int, ('abc', 2))
@@ -1302,8 +1371,9 @@ <h4>2.5 More DRCP investigation</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 myvar = cur.var(int)
@@ -1350,8 +1420,9 @@ <h4>6.1 Basic output type handler</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 print("Standard output...")
@@ -1407,8 +1478,9 @@ <h4>6.1 Basic output type handler</h4>
 
       <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 for value, in cur.execute("select 0.1 from dual"):
@@ -1429,8 +1501,9 @@ <h4>6.1 Basic output type handler</h4>
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
 <strong>import decimal</strong>
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 <strong>def ReturnNumbersAsDecimal(cursor, name, defaultType, size, precision, scale):
@@ -1481,8 +1554,9 @@ <h4>6.1 Basic output type handler</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 # Create table
@@ -1600,8 +1674,9 @@ <h4>7.1 Fetching a CLOB using a locator</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 print("Inserting data...")
@@ -1648,8 +1723,9 @@ <h4>7.2 Fetching a CLOB as a string</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 print("Inserting data...")
@@ -1704,8 +1780,9 @@ <h4>7.2 Fetching a CLOB as a string</h4>
 <pre>
 import collections
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.execute("select deptno, dname from dept")
@@ -1777,12 +1854,13 @@ <h4>7.2 Fetching a CLOB as a string</h4>
 
   <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
 class MyConnection(cx_Oracle.Connection):
 
     def __init__(self):
         print("Connecting to database")
-        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 con = MyConnection()
 cur = con.cursor()
@@ -1821,12 +1899,13 @@ <h4>7.2 Fetching a CLOB as a string</h4>
 
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
 class MyConnection(cx_Oracle.Connection):
 
     def __init__(self):
         print("Connecting to database")
-        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 <strong>    def cursor(self):
         return MyCursor(self)
@@ -1879,8 +1958,9 @@ <h4>7.2 Fetching a CLOB as a string</h4>
 <pre>
 import cx_Oracle
 import decimal
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 BOOK_TYPE_NAME = "UDT_BOOK"
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/aq.py b/samples/tutorial/aq.py
index bcfb51fe..a7a9564a 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/aq.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/aq.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import decimal
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 BOOK_TYPE_NAME = "UDT_BOOK"
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.py b/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.py
index bbda40a4..eb10195e 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 rows = [ (1, "First" ), (2, "Second" ),
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.sql b/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.sql
index 1b908352..068e0880 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.sql
+++ b/samples/tutorial/bind_insert.sql
@@ -8,9 +8,18 @@
 
 set echo on
 
-connect pythonhol/welcome@localhost/orclpdb
+@@db_config.sql
+connect &user/&pw@&connect_string
 
-drop table mytab;
+begin
+  execute immediate 'drop table mytab';
+exception
+when others then
+  if sqlcode not in (-00942) then
+    raise;
+  end if;
+end;
+/
 
 create table mytab (id number, data varchar2(20), constraint my_pk primary key (id));
 
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/bind_query.py b/samples/tutorial/bind_query.py
index 2b23c224..8ab8540e 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/bind_query.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/bind_query.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.prepare("select * from dept where deptno = :id order by deptno")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/bind_sdo.py b/samples/tutorial/bind_sdo.py
index 96dde299..164ca7c6 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/bind_sdo.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/bind_sdo.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+import db_config
 
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 # Create table
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/clob.py b/samples/tutorial/clob.py
index 8386e6e6..d7f3d389 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/clob.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/clob.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 print("Inserting data...")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/clob_string.py b/samples/tutorial/clob_string.py
index 3e64db8e..65eeb9b4 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/clob_string.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/clob_string.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 print("Inserting data...")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/connect.py b/samples/tutorial/connect.py
index 36e7a0a4..5686611a 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/connect.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/connect.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 print("Database version:", con.version)
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/connect_drcp.py b/samples/tutorial/connect_drcp.py
index e6e4511b..335748ad 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/connect_drcp.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/connect_drcp.py
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb:pooled",
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn + ":pooled",
                         cclass="PYTHONHOL", purity=cx_Oracle.ATTR_PURITY_SELF)
 print("Database version:", con.version)
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/connect_pool.py b/samples/tutorial/connect_pool.py
index 474d8fdd..b4c5bc3d 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/connect_pool.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/connect_pool.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import threading
+import db_config
 
-pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb",
+pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn,
                              min = 2, max = 5, increment = 1, threaded = True)
 
 def Query():
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/connect_pool2.py b/samples/tutorial/connect_pool2.py
index 12dd5c16..8abddbf8 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/connect_pool2.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/connect_pool2.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import threading
+import db_config
 
-pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb",
+pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn,
                              min = 2, max = 5, increment = 1, threaded = True)
 
 def Query():
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/db_config.py b/samples/tutorial/db_config.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8e785678
--- /dev/null
+++ b/samples/tutorial/db_config.py
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+user = "pythonhol"
+pw = "welcome"
+dsn = "localhost/orclpdb"
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/db_config.sql b/samples/tutorial/db_config.sql
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0f02b1b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/samples/tutorial/db_config.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+def user = "pythonhol"
+def pw = "welcome"
+def connect_string = "localhost/orclpdb"
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.py b/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.py
index b8173eae..12dd0656 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 res = cur.callfunc('myfunc', int, ('abc', 2))
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.sql b/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.sql
index 69f653a5..1c5c24f1 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.sql
+++ b/samples/tutorial/plsql_func.sql
@@ -8,7 +8,18 @@
 
 set echo on
 
-connect pythonhol/welcome@localhost/orclpdb
+@@db_config.sql
+connect &user/&pw@&connect_string
+
+begin
+  execute immediate 'drop table ptab';
+exception
+when others then
+  if sqlcode not in (-00942) then
+    raise;
+  end if;
+end;
+/
 
 create table ptab (mydata varchar(20), myid number);
 
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.py b/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.py
index a378fca9..58c3a366 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 myvar = cur.var(int)
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.sql b/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.sql
index ff6da9d8..34b19cf6 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.sql
+++ b/samples/tutorial/plsql_proc.sql
@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@
 
 set echo on
 
-connect pythonhol/welcome@localhost/orclpdb
+@@db_config.sql
+connect &user/&pw@&connect_string
 
 create or replace procedure myproc(v1_p in number, v2_p out number) as
 begin
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/query.py b/samples/tutorial/query.py
index ce6eb0fa..344c2da7 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/query.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/query.py
@@ -9,5 +9,6 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/query2.py b/samples/tutorial/query2.py
index c74bfa5e..60695d91 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/query2.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/query2.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 cur.execute('select * from dept order by deptno')
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.py b/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.py
index 9a36ba07..c8ff24b6 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import time
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 start = time.time()
 
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.sql b/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.sql
index da64a534..b4702145 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.sql
+++ b/samples/tutorial/query_arraysize.sql
@@ -8,9 +8,18 @@
 
 set echo on
 
-connect pythonhol/welcome@localhost/orclpdb
+@@db_config.sql
+connect &user/&pw@&connect_string
 
-drop table bigtab;
+begin
+  execute immediate 'drop table bigtab';
+exception
+when others then
+  if sqlcode not in (-00942) then
+    raise;
+  end if;
+end;
+/
 
 create table bigtab (mycol varchar2(20));
 begin
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/query_many.py b/samples/tutorial/query_many.py
index e842e85a..beb0b09b 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/query_many.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/query_many.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/query_one.py b/samples/tutorial/query_one.py
index 094c7734..978fbaff 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/query_one.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/query_one.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/query_scroll.py b/samples/tutorial/query_scroll.py
index d304e550..b0630f94 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/query_scroll.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/query_scroll.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor(scrollable = True)
 
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/rowfactory.py b/samples/tutorial/rowfactory.py
index d7e0e17c..9dad94dc 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/rowfactory.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/rowfactory.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import collections
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.execute("select deptno, dname from dept")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-dequeue.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-dequeue.py
index b4a8b612..f9ce2a5a 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-dequeue.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-dequeue.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import decimal
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 BOOK_TYPE_NAME = "UDT_BOOK"
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-enqueue.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-enqueue.py
index cf9d50ac..49a12b5c 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-enqueue.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-enqueue.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import decimal
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 BOOK_TYPE_NAME = "UDT_BOOK"
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-queuestart.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-queuestart.py
index 93dd8d01..4ab2a11f 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-queuestart.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/aq-queuestart.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import decimal
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 BOOK_TYPE_NAME = "UDT_BOOK"
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_insert.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_insert.py
index 8df69993..c4e5c109 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_insert.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_insert.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 rows = [ (1, "First" ), (2, "Second" ),
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_sdo.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_sdo.py
index 18e3ee16..4f21eda0 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_sdo.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/bind_sdo.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 # Create table
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/connect_pool2.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/connect_pool2.py
index 73f9fbd4..5fc47431 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/connect_pool2.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/connect_pool2.py
@@ -11,8 +11,9 @@
 import cx_Oracle
 import threading
 import time
+import db_config
 
-pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb:pooled",
+pool = cx_Oracle.SessionPool(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn + ":pooled",
                              min = 2, max = 5, increment = 1, threaded = True)
 
 def Query():
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/db_config.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/db_config.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..375f6cc1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/db_config.py
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+import os
+
+dirName = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__))
+exec(open(os.path.join(dirName, "db_config.py"), "r").read())
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/query-2.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/query-2.py
index 2177d956..64d565d9 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/query-2.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/query-2.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/query.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/query.py
index 802afba8..89881c98 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/query.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/query.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/query_many.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/query_many.py
index d252def2..e9071f22 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/query_many.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/query_many.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 cur.execute("select * from dept order by deptno")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/rowfactory.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/rowfactory.py
index 2968f38c..729475eb 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/rowfactory.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/rowfactory.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import collections
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/subclass.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/subclass.py
index 27fa0211..61909cca 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/subclass.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/subclass.py
@@ -9,12 +9,13 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
 class MyConnection(cx_Oracle.Connection):
 
     def __init__(self):
         print("Connecting to database")
-        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
     def cursor(self):
         return MyCursor(self)
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_converter.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_converter.py
index f9842997..1bd20fc1 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_converter.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_converter.py
@@ -10,8 +10,9 @@
 
 import cx_Oracle
 import decimal
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 def ReturnNumbersAsDecimal(cursor, name, defaultType, size, precision, scale):
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_output.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_output.py
index 0e3a449e..3f56e16f 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_output.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/type_output.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 cur = con.cursor()
 
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/solutions/versions.py b/samples/tutorial/solutions/versions.py
index 572ece27..513ac30c 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/solutions/versions.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/solutions/versions.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 print(cx_Oracle.version)
 print("Database version:", con.version)
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/subclass.py b/samples/tutorial/subclass.py
index e429c7f0..22cd976c 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/subclass.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/subclass.py
@@ -9,12 +9,13 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
 class MyConnection(cx_Oracle.Connection):
 
     def __init__(self):
         print("Connecting to database")
-        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+        return super(MyConnection, self).__init__(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 con = MyConnection()
 cur = con.cursor()
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/type_converter.py b/samples/tutorial/type_converter.py
index b928666f..db0d3b63 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/type_converter.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/type_converter.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 for value, in cur.execute("select 0.1 from dual"):
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/type_input.py b/samples/tutorial/type_input.py
index e22ed817..a3731e14 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/type_input.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/type_input.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 # Create table
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/type_output.py b/samples/tutorial/type_output.py
index b7b5cc6a..9e4e2e66 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/type_output.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/type_output.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect("pythonhol", "welcome", "localhost/orclpdb")
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 cur = con.cursor()
 
 print("Standard output...")
diff --git a/samples/tutorial/versions.py b/samples/tutorial/versions.py
index 599d8de7..f8344c2c 100644
--- a/samples/tutorial/versions.py
+++ b/samples/tutorial/versions.py
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@
 from __future__ import print_function
 
 import cx_Oracle
+import db_config
 
-con = cx_Oracle.connect('pythonhol/welcome@localhost/orclpdb')
+con = cx_Oracle.connect(db_config.user, db_config.pw, db_config.dsn)
 
 print(cx_Oracle.version)