My favorite new features in APEX 24.2 at a glance

-



Oracle APEX 24.2 is out!

Here are some of the major features in APEX 24.2 that I think are a great productivity booster for APEX developers.


JSON Sources

With storing JSON in a CLOB or BLOB column, you get some flexibility in your data model. Before 24.2, you couldn't let your APEX chart, form or report interact with the JSON structure without custom coding. With 24.2, this is now possible using JSON Sources. There is no need anymore to deal with JSON yourself using SQL, just let APEX do the heavy lifting.

For those of you using 23ai of the Oracle Database, it works even with JSON Collection Tables and Duality Views!


APEX Workflow enhancements

Major features here include the possibility to call a workflow from with another workflow. This will let you re-use smaller workflow definitions. Also, a workflow administrator can now resume a workflow at any given activity in case of an unforeseen situation. Great must have features!

For those of you that need to be BPMN-compliant, you might want to take a look at Flows for APEX: https://flowsforapex.org.


Create custom data models using AI

If you are a beginner in data modeling that likes to focus on the application, this feature could be something for you. It generates a first version of a data model based on natural language. Be aware that database modeling is something that experts should do, especially when things get complex, but it is a good way to get you going, just like with the tool Quick SQL.


Database Object Dependencies

Finally it is here: an easy way to list all database objects your app is using. And with a click on a link, you are directly taken to the APEX component that is using the listed database object. An excellent feature I will use for each app, for instance to check if a procedure call is invalid or if an APEX component directly communicates with a table (which should be prevented by using a page-specific view /package instead).



Vector Search support

Oracle Database 23ai supports vectors natively and APEX 24.2 can now deal with these declaratively. Although I like this feature, it will take 1-2 years until our customers have been migrated to Database 23ai with their on-premises APEX environment.

Provide RAG for AI calls

Whenever you send a question to a LLM, you would like to give it some context. With 24.1, this context was set in a static fashion and couldn't be reused. With 24.2, you can define all kinds of prompts centrally based on SQL, static text or a PL/SQL function body. You can even make them conditionally based on the input an user has given.

Automatic processing of LLM calls

Sometimes, you want to call a LLM and process its response without user interaction. A new dynamic action "Generate Text With AI" makes this possible.

For a full list of all features, have a look at https://apex.oracle.com.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Getting up to speed with Oracle Application Express (Oracle APEX)

-
Image
Want to start developing web applications with Oracle Application Express (Oracle APEX)? Make sure you don't reinvent the wheel and adapt good practises from industry experts right from the start. Here are some tips for beginners: 1. If you don't already have Oracle APEX installed, don't install it yourself, but get a free workspace within minutes on apex.oracle.com  to be used for demo purposes. To learn about Oracle APEX in the Oracle Cloud, you can use the always free tier on cloud.oracle.com/free with two databases up to 20 GB database storage each without any cost. For production purposes, we recommend that you pay 115 €/month (as of 20-JAN-2025) for the Oracle APEX Service on the Oracle Cloud. 2. Start making your first apps using one of the Oracle APEX tutorials: Hyand (German):  apex.hyand.com/development  (includes good practises!) Oracle (English):  apex.oracle.com/en/learn/tutorials  ( here is a good overview of these) 3.  Take note ...
Read more

Common misperceptions around Oracle APEX

-
Image
In the last years, I spoke with many in the IT industry about low-code and there seem to be several misperceptions around Oracle APEX, so I thought it is time to address these in this blog post. Here we go: 1. "APEX is only for Oracle customers" Existing Oracle Database customers can install APEX right-away without paying anything extra, have the infrastructure and licensing already set up, have the personnel to manage it all and store their data already in the Oracle Database. So, yes, APEX is very attractive for existing Oracle Database customers. Does that mean it is limited to this scenario? No. There are multiple reasons why you should start using APEX, although your company has no track record with Oracle: - Your data can reside outside the Oracle database. No matter if you are using PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server, SAP, Hubspot, MS Dynamics, Spotify, etc.: you can integrate it all without programming a single line of code! APEX is doing a great job and can handle even comple...
Read more

Abstract Selection Process for APEX Connect

-
I noticed that there is almost nothing published on the internet about how an abstract selection process works. Being the program manager for DOAG APEX Connect, I would like to share some insights about how this process works for this conference. Please be aware that all I say here is only applicable to DOAG APEX Connect and the process might change in the future. Also, other DOAG conferences may handle this process a bit different. With APEX Connect 2019, we started our journey by opening Call for Papers. During this time, everybody was able to submit a paper through our website https://apex.doag.org. We encouraged everybody to read through our submission guidelines, as your abstract will be the basis for acceptance: https://apex.doag.org/en/news/details/eleven-steps-to-a-successful-submission-of-your-presentation-1/ We received a stunning 171(!) abstracts during Call for Papers, but only 53 regular sessions could fit in the program schedule. Even though we strive to give each pre...
Read more