Beginner's Guide to Oracle APEX

Summary

In this Oracle Apex office hours session, Joel Coleman and Anthony Rayner introduce a beginner's guide to Oracle Apex, a low-code development framework for rapid enterprise application development. The session covers Apex's capabilities, its availability across Oracle database editions, and its ease of use, showcasing how to quickly build applications from spreadsheets. Real-world examples, community testimonials, and resources for getting started are provided, emphasizing Apex's suitability for developers, business users, and students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The session is an introduction to Oracle Apex, a low-code development framework, aimed at beginners and is being presented by Joel Coleman and Anthony Rayner from the Oracle Apex team.
• 📝 Oracle Apex allows for the rapid development of feature-rich web applications with minimal coding, suitable for both desktop and mobile use.
• 🌐 Apex is available with all supported Oracle database editions and versions, and can be run in the cloud or on-premises, with the flexibility to move between the two.
• 🆓 Oracle Apex is free to use with Always Free Oracle Cloud or Oracle Express Edition, making it accessible for production apps.
• 🔧 The platform includes built-in features for administration, access control, feedback, and other functionalities, enhancing productivity and user experience.
• 🛠️ Apex provides a comprehensive development environment with tools like the App Builder for creating applications from spreadsheets or files.
• 📈 The platform includes interactive reports and charts for data visualization, which can be easily customized and formatted to suit specific needs.
• 🔄 Apex supports customization and extension of applications, with the ability to edit page components, create validations, and implement computations.
• 🌟 The Apex community is large and vibrant, with around 500,000 developers worldwide, offering a wealth of knowledge and support.
• 🏆 Real-world examples of Apex applications include systems built for managing medicine effectiveness against COVID-19 and community sites like apex.world.
• 📚 Resources for learning and engaging with the Apex community include apex.oracle.com, apex.world, and various social media channels.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Oracle Apex office hours session presented in the script?

The purpose of the session is to provide a beginner's guide to Oracle Apex, aiming to educate and assist those who are new to Apex or curious about getting started with it.

Who is Joel Coleman and what is his role in the session?

Joel Coleman is a member of the Oracle Apex team. He introduces the session, provides an overview of the agenda, and facilitates the presentation by Anthony Rayner.

What is the significance of the 'database house party' mentioned in the script?

The 'database house party' is a 6-hour webinar organized by the database division, focusing on data-driven applications and application development. It is designed to weave together a common scenario from architecture to microservices, including a segment on Oracle Apex.

Who is Anthony Rayner and what is his contribution to the Apex team?

Anthony Rayner is an architect and software developer on the Oracle Apex team. He joined the team in 2008 and has contributed to numerous areas of Apex. He is also the presenter of the beginner's guide session, sharing his expertise to help newcomers understand Apex.

How does Oracle Apex fit into the low-code development landscape?

Oracle Apex is a low-code development framework that allows for rapid development of feature-rich enterprise-ready applications with minimal coding. It reduces the cost and burden associated with traditional coding methodologies, enabling businesses to solve problems more efficiently.

What are the benefits of using Oracle Apex for building applications?

Oracle Apex offers benefits such as faster application delivery, reduced technical debt, and the ability for businesses to solve problems independently without overburdening IT. It also provides a range of pre-built features and is available at no cost with Always Free Oracle Cloud or Oracle Express Edition.

What is the process of creating an Apex application as described in the script?

The process involves accessing the Apex workspace, choosing to create a new application from a file (like a spreadsheet), loading the data into the Oracle database, and then using the create application wizard to generate a functional web application with various built-in features.

How can users customize the interactive reports in their Apex applications?

Users can customize interactive reports by formatting the data, enriching the information, applying computations, and saving specific views for easy access. They can also use features like aggregation to display totals and group data in various ways.

What is the role of the Oracle Apex community in supporting developers?

The Oracle Apex community, consisting of around 500,000 developers worldwide, plays a crucial role in sharing ideas, providing support, and fostering learning. It is a vibrant ecosystem that enhances the development experience and contributes to the continuous improvement of Apex.

What are some real-world examples of applications built with Oracle Apex mentioned in the script?

Examples include the Therapeutic Learning System built to manage and track the effectiveness of medicines in the fight against COVID-19, apex.world which is a community-built portal for all things Apex, and various applications within Oracle itself, such as Aria People and Einstein.

How can someone get involved with the Oracle Apex community and where can they seek help?

Individuals can get involved with the community through social media channels like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, as well as joining the Oracle Apex forum and the Oracle Apex Slack workspace. They can also follow the official Oracle Apex Twitter account and participate in community discussions and events.