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Low-code development: changing the game with Oracle APEX

As technology evolves, software development is becoming more accessible to businesses and individuals. Low-code practices allow developers to build web and mobile applications with minimal coding efforts, saving time and resources. One standout low-code service is Oracle Application Express (APEX), which is gaining traction for its efficiency and ease of use.
what is apex oracle
what is apex oracle

    According to Forrester, 87% of enterprise developers use low-code development platforms for at least some of their work. Building on this trend, this article will explore the basics of low-code development, its benefits, and examples from one popular low-code platform: Oracle APEX.

    Key capabilities of Oracle APEX

    APEX has transformed from a simple web application framework for Oracle databases into a comprehensive low-code development platform. It is integrated with Oracle Cloud and enables users to build scalable, data-driven applications. The Oracle APEX architecture consists of three layers—a web browser, the web server (Oracle REST Data Services), and an Oracle Database—ensuring data access with zero latency and smooth performance.

    Oracle APEX architecture example
    Oracle APEX architecture example
    Oracle APEX architecture example

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    Mobile-ready applications

    APEX-based solutions can be adapted for mobile experience and turned into progressive web apps (PWAs). Mobile-optimized components and smart templates ensure the application can automatically adjust to different devices.

    Oracle Database integration

    APEX is deeply integrated with Oracle Database, giving APEX developers access to its features and capabilities. Data can also be integrated from different sources, such as a local database, a remote Oracle database, or a web service.

    Customization

    With the Universal Theme, APEX developers can build highly accessible applications and customize them to ensure brand alignment. The platform provides templates and components, such as menus, tabs, and forms, based on common design patterns to create a simple and user-friendly interface.

    Benefits of using Oracle APEX

    Low-code platforms have transformed software development, and Oracle APEX has emerged as a leading choice. Here are some key advantages driving its increasingly widespread adoption.

    Streamlined development

    The APEX low-code environment requires almost no hand coding, allowing platform users to focus on business logic rather than infrastructure setup. An intuitive drag-and-drop interface, prebuilt templates, visual design tools, and other features make application development an easy and quick process. Changes to an application can be made without extensive recoding.

    Cost efficiency

    The platform minimizes development and operational costs by eliminating the need for custom front-end development and extensive coding. Since APEX is free to use with Oracle Database and in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Free Tier, it offers lower infrastructure costs and no additional licensing costs.

    Scalability

    APEX integrates with Oracle Database, leveraging its built-in capacity for handling large data volumes. OCI adds autoscaling, load balancing, and high-performance storage to APEX-based solutions. APEX’s cloud-native deployment and database-centric architecture make it suitable for small- to medium-sized applications.

    SQL and PL/SQL support

    APEX uses SQL and PL/SQL, which lets developers build solid, data-centric apps. Developers proficient in these languages can write and run SQL queries to populate reports, charts, and interactive forms. Create, read, update, delete (CRUD) operations are simplified with declarative components and wizards, reducing the need for extensive hand coding. Moreover, PL/SQL lets developers do more than just basic data manipulation. They can use it to implement complex business logic, automate processes, and improve performance.

    Tutorials and documentation

    Oracle provides a wealth of resources to help developers learn and master APEX. From comprehensive user guides and detailed API documentation to interactive tutorials and hands-on labs, it offers learning paths suitable for both experienced developers and individuals with limited coding skills. Oracle APEX also provides starter and sample applications, as well as plug-ins to use and learn from, showcasing how different functionalities can be implemented in practice.

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    Conclusion

    F.A.Q. about Oracle APEX development

    • Low-code development is a method of building software applications with minimal manual coding. Using drag-and-drop components and pre-built modules and templates, experienced developers and creators with minimal coding experience can quickly build applications. Oracle APEX is a widely used low-code platform that runs within Oracle Database and provides a web-based development environment.

    • While Oracle APEX is one of the top low-code development platforms, there are other alternatives. Compared to other solutions, APEX’s deep integration with the Oracle environment offers outstanding data management and performance for mission-critical applications. For companies already invested in Oracle technology, APEX is a cost-effective solution. It is also ideal for businesses looking for deep data capabilities.

    • One of Oracle APEX’s key features is the ability to build mobile-ready applications. Prebuilt UI components are optimized for mobile devices. You can also enable PWA functionalities and install your application on any device.

    • APEX solutions can be applied for various use cases across different industries. Internal business applications, data-intensive applications, rapid prototyping, report generation and analytics, customer portals and internal tools, workflow automation—these are just some of the most prominent business-critical use cases for this low-code platform.

    • There are three main options for hosting Oracle APEX solutions. Depending on your needs for scalability, management, control, and cost, you can choose cloud-based hosting, on-premises self-managed installation, or third-party services.

    • Since Oracle APEX runs within Oracle Database, the platform benefits from its built-in security measures, like transparent data encryption, Oracle Virtual Private Database (VPD), Oracle Real Applications Security (RAS), and database auditing. Through role-based authentication and authorization, session management, data encryption, and automatic protection against SQL injection and XSS attacks, you can be sure your application is secure and compliant.

    • Oracle APEX offers a high level of customization, allowing creators to easily tailor applications to their specific needs. Themes and templates enable UI and layout customization, forms and interactive grids allow the customization of application components, and PL/SQL processes and dynamic actions facilitate customized application logic and workflow.

    • You can migrate your existing application to Oracle APEX. Depending on the technology stack, database structure, application complexity, and other factors, the migration process may vary. Contact our team to learn more.

    • Service updates for Oracle APEX follow a regular cycle, with major releases occurring every 12 to 18 months and minor enhancements released quarterly.

    • Oracle APEX offers an array of benefits, like high performance, scalability, and customization, that can be leveraged to build secure enterprise applications. From basic CRM systems to workflow management and automation, businesses can use the low-code platform to build mission-critical applications quickly and cost-effectively.

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