Title: Oracle APEX 18.1: A Look at the Features that Transformed Low-Code Development

Introduction

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is a powerful, low-code development platform for quickly and easily building enterprise-grade web applications. Released in 2018, APEX 18.1 introduced exciting features and enhancements, making it a favorite among developers. Let’s explore what made this version so special.

Key New Features

1. Simplified Application Creation
2. APEX 18.1 introduced a streamlined Create Application Wizard with modernized UI elements, helping developers of all skill levels rapidly set up their applications’ foundations. Blueprints simplify the process, allowing you to define applications as JSON and enabling easy copying and modification.
3. Web Source Modules
4. Integrate with external data sources effortlessly! Web Source Modules lets you declaratively reference and consume data from REST APIs and generic JSON feeds, dramatically expanding the reach of your APEX applications.
5. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
6. Build applications with offline capabilities and a native-app feel. APEX 18.1 made it easy to create Progressive Web Apps, offering users a richer, more engaging mobile experience.
7. Faceted Search
8. This powerful feature empowers users to refine data sets using multiple criteria simultaneously. Faceted Search provides a dynamic, intuitive filtering mechanism within your applications.
9. Oracle JET Chart Enhancements
10. Visualizations got a lot slicker! APEX 18.1 upgraded its integration with Oracle JET charts, bringing more chart types, improved styling options, and greater flexibility for crafting compelling data presentations.

Other Notable Improvements

• Enhanced Interactive Grids: More control, better customization, and added features made Interactive Grids even more potent.
• Interactive Report Tweaks: Fine-grained control over filtering, sorting, and user experience.
• Universal Theme Updates: A refreshed, contemporary look and feel.

Why Upgrade?

If you were using an earlier version of APEX, 18.1 offered a compelling set of reasons to upgrade:

• Faster development: App creation wizards and blueprints speed up the initial process.
• Rich data integration: Web Source Modules open a world of external data.
• Modern user experience: PWAs and updated UI components make your apps shine.
• Powerful data manipulation: Faceted Search and improved grids handle data expertly.

Conclusion

• Oracle APEX 18.1 solidified APEX’s position as a dominant player in the low-code development world. Its streamlined application creation, data integration power, and emphasis on modern user experiences made it a clear choice for building robust, scalable web applications.