Unlocking Data Exports with APEX_DATA_EXPORT

Oracle APEX (Application Express) is a fantastic low-code development platform for quickly creating web applications. If you need to export your application data into readily usable file formats, the APEX_DATA_EXPORT package is your key to success.

What is APEX_DATA_EXPORT?

Introduced in APEX 20.2, the APEX_DATA_EXPORT package provides a robust and streamlined way to export data directly from your Oracle APEX applications. With this package, you can generate the following typical file formats:

• PDF: Structure-preserving documents ideal for printing and archiving
• XLSX: Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for data analysis and manipulation
• HTML: Web-ready format viewable in browsers
• CSV: Comma-separated values files, widely importable into various software
• XML: Structured data format enabling data exchange
• JSON: Lightweight format commonly used for data transfer in web applications

Why Use APEX_DATA_EXPORT?

• Flexibility: You can export data from diverse sources like Interactive Reports, Interactive Grids, and Classic Reports based on tailored SQL queries.
• Efficiency: Simplify complex data exports with just a few lines of code.
• Customization: Tailor your exports by controlling output columns, formatting, and more.
• User-Friendliness: Enable users to download their data on demand for offline use and analysis

A Basic Example

Let’s see how simple it is to use APEX_DATA_EXPORT. Here’s how to export data from an Interactive Report as an Excel file:

Code snippet

BEGIN

    — Get query context

    l_context := apex_exec.open_query_context(

        p_sql_query => ‘select * from employees’ 

    );

    — Generate the export 

    l_export := apex_data_export.export (

        p_context => l_context,

        p_format => apex_data_export.c_format_xlsx

    );

    — Download the exported file

    apex_data_export.download( p_export => l_export );

    — Close the query context

    apex_exec.close(l_context);

END;

Use code with caution.

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Beyond the Basics

APEX_DATA_EXPORT offers plenty of options to refine your exports:

• Output Control: Select specific columns to include in your export.
• Formatting: Apply styles and data formatting to customize the look.
• Complex Queries: Leverage advanced SQL features like joins and aggregations.
• Multiple Exports: Generate multiple file formats simultaneously.

Incorporating into APEX Applications

You can trigger these data exports using buttons, dynamic actions, or processes within your APEX applications, giving users a seamless download experience.

Conclusion

APEX_DATA_EXPORT is a powerful addition to the Oracle APEX toolkit and a boon for any developer who needs to allow users to work with their application data offline. If you’re building APEX applications, take the time to explore this package—it could make a huge difference in both the functionality and user satisfaction of your apps.