Oracle APEX (Application Express) 24.2 continues to revolutionize low-code development by introducing innovative tools and enhancements tailored to streamline development workflows and elevate application capabilities. Here’s a comprehensive dive into the latest features in this release.
1. Harnessing Advanced AI Integration
Oracle APEX 24.2 empowers developers with an array of AI-driven capabilities that redefine application design and development processes:
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Sources
Developers can integrate real-time, context-sensitive data sources like SQL queries, function outputs, and static text into the AI Assistant. These sources dynamically adapt based on user interactions, enabling highly personalized application behavior.
AI Configurations Shared Component
A centralized repository for managing AI components allows developers to configure system prompts, welcome messages, and dynamic RAG sources. These settings integrate with actions like “Show AI Assistant” or APIs such as APEX_AI for seamless AI-based workflows.
Dynamic Actions for AI
With the “Generate Text with AI” action, developers can automate content creation, translation, and summarization tasks directly within applications, reducing manual effort and enhancing user engagement.
Natural Language Schema Design
AI tools in SQL Workshop assist in crafting database schemas, tables, and triggers from natural language descriptions, providing an intuitive and efficient way to design databases.
Vector Search Integration
APEX now includes vector search capabilities via Oracle Database 23.ai, enabling applications to perform semantic similarity searches that retrieve results based on intent rather than exact matches.
2. Simplified JSON Data Management
The new JSON-centric enhancements make it effortless to handle complex data structures in modern applications:
JSON Sources Shared Component
Reusable JSON data sources can be created from database tables or specialized views, like Duality Views in Oracle Database 23.ai, allowing for simplified data integration.
Automatic Data Profiles
APEX auto-generates data profiles for JSON sources, mapping nested JSON structures into tabular formats without requiring custom parsing logic.
Declarative Integration
Reports, forms, and charts can now directly connect to JSON sources, enabling developers to declaratively build components on top of JSON data.
DML Operations for JSON
Full DML support ensures that JSON-based forms and grids integrate seamlessly, with changes applied to JSON data using powerful JSON_TRANSFORM operations.
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3. Workflow Enhancements for Streamlined Automation
APEX 24.2 refines its workflow capabilities with updates designed for flexibility and scalability:
Invoke Nested Workflows
Workflows can now call other workflows, encouraging modularity and simplifying the design of complex processes.
Resumable Workflows
Administrators can restart workflows at any designated activity, allowing efficient handling of errors or manual interventions.
Cross-Application Workflow Replication
Copy workflows between applications with ease, ensuring consistent logic and reducing development overhead.
Modernized Workflow UI
New templates for human task and workflow pages provide improved layouts and interactivity, making workflows easier to use and customize.
4. Expanded Oracle Fusion Applications Integration
Oracle APEX 24.2 strengthens enterprise application development through robust Fusion Applications integration:
- Enhanced API Compatibility: Direct integration with the latest Fusion REST APIs, including /api/boss endpoints, ensures applications can read from and write to Fusion data effortlessly.
- Fusion Integration Starter App: A pre-configured starter application simplifies the process of building applications connected to Oracle Fusion, accelerating time-to-value.
5. Universal Theme Enhancements for Next-Level UI
The Universal Theme continues to evolve, offering features that simplify design and enhance visual appeal:
- Font APEX 2.4: Includes 250+ colorful country flag icons, expanding the visual toolkit for developers.
- Content Row Grouping: Improved tools for organizing components within pages create cleaner, more accessible layouts.
- Multi-Avatar Regions: New avatar region options allow for visually dynamic user personalization.
- Utility Classes: Additional prebuilt CSS classes simplify styling tasks, reducing reliance on custom stylesheets.
- Password Field Toggle: Users can reveal or hide passwords in forms, a usability feature long-requested by developers.
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6. Accessibility and Monitoring Enhancements
Oracle APEX 24.2 reinforces its commitment to accessibility and application insights:
OAG 3.2 Compliance
The Builder and applications meet the latest Oracle Accessibility Guidelines, improving support for assistive technologies, live regions, and semantic HTML structures.
OpenTelemetry Integration
Track client-side application telemetry to analyze performance, user behavior, and potential issues. This data integrates with existing monitoring tools for comprehensive visibility.
7. Developer-Centric Improvements
APEX 24.2 enhances developer productivity with a suite of practical tools and updates:
- Application Dependency Reports: Visualize object dependencies across workspaces to manage references effectively.
- Cross-Workspace Page Management: Pages can be imported and exported across different workspaces, improving collaboration.
- Enhanced List Management: An updated interface makes editing and viewing lists faster and more intuitive.
- Resizable Modal Dialogs: Page Designer now supports resizable modal dialogs for better workspace optimization.
8. Interactive Reports and Document Generation
Interactive Report Enhancements
Improved filtering, customization, and visualization options make handling large datasets more intuitive and engaging.
Document Generator Updates
Support for Excel templates as report layouts adds versatility to document creation, including outputs in DOCX, PDF, and XLSX formats.
Conclusion
Oracle APEX 24.2 is a landmark release that solidifies its position as a leader in low-code development. From AI-driven automation and JSON integration to workflow advancements and theme enhancements, this update equips developers with everything needed to build scalable, secure, and user-centric applications.
Dive into Oracle APEX 24.2 today and explore how these innovations can transform your development process and applications!