Understanding ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS: Your APEX Environment’s Housekeeping Job

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is a powerful low-code development platform that enables the rapid creation of web applications. However, like any busy web environment, APEX can accumulate inactive user sessions over time. This is where the background job ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS comes into the picture.

What is ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS?

ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS is a scheduled database job that automatically cleans up expired APEX sessions. Think of it as the housekeeper for your APEX workspace, keeping things clean and organized.

Why is it Important?

1. Performance Optimization: Inactive sessions occupy database resources like memory. Purging them regularly helps in maintaining the health and performance of your Oracle APEX environment.
2. Security: Expired sessions, if left unchecked, could increase vulnerability in some situations. ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS helps mitigate risks by removing inactive sessions.
3. Storage Management: APEX sessions involve data stored within the database. Purging old sessions ensures that database space is used efficiently.

How Does it Work?

The ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS job runs at a predefined interval (typically every hour). It does the following:

• Identifies Expired Sessions: The job checks for APEX sessions that have been inactive for more than a certain period (usually 12 hours).
• Purges Session Data: The job deletes the data associated with the expired sessions from relevant APEX tables (like WWV_FLOW_SESSIONS$).

Customizing the Job

While the default configuration of the job works for most cases, you might want to modify the frequency or the session expiration time limit based on your application’s requirements. Here’s how to adjust it:

1. SQL Workshop: Navigate to SQL Workshop within your Oracle APEX workspace.
2. Object Browser: Select “Object Browser” and search for the job “ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS” within the list of database objects.
3. Edit: Click the “Edit” option to make changes to the job’s schedule and other attributes.

Important Considerations

• Before Tinkering: It’s recommended to understand the implications of modifying the job’s parameters. Always consult the Oracle APEX documentation before making significant adjustments.
• Session Timeout in Applications: Ensure that the session timeout settings within your individual APEX applications align with the ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS’ purge timeline.

In Summary

ORACLE_APEX_PURGE_SESSIONS is an essential background process that contributes to a well-maintained and efficient Oracle APEX environment. Understanding its role is beneficial for any APEX developer or administrator.