Oracle APEX 20: A Leap Forward in Low-Code Development

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is a robust, low-code development framework built directly into the Oracle Database. It’s a fantastic tool for web application development and is beloved for its speed, flexibility, and ease of use. With the release of versions 20.1 and 20.2, Oracle APEX has taken a significant leap forward, offering exciting new features and enhancements.

Key Highlights of Oracle APEX 20

Let’s explore some of the most notable improvements in Oracle APEX 20:

1. Redwood User Interface (UI) Refresh

• A significant focus of APEX 20 is the adoption of Oracle’s Redwood design system. This brings a modern, sleek, visually appealing UI to the entire APEX development environment.
• The Redwood theme offers enhanced accessibility and seamlessly adjusts to ‘light’ or ‘dark’ mode based on your operating system preferences.

2. Faceted Search

• Faceted Search simplifies how users can filter and explore data. This feature allows you to create multiple filters that work together, letting users narrow down results quickly and intuitively.
• Enhancements include cascading lists of values (where filter options depend on other selections) and the ability to sort facets based on value counts.

3. Powerful New Components

• Maps Component: Easily integrate dynamic and interactive maps into your APEX applications, opening up a range of location-based visualizations and features.
• Progressive Web Apps (PWA): Create applications that can be installed on a user’s device, work offline, and offer a native app-like experience.

4. Improved Automation and DevOps Support

• They have streamlined development and deployment processes with the introduction of APEX Automation. These actions let you automate tasks like exporting and importing applications.
• Better integration with version control systems (like Git) for more robust collaboration and deployment.

5. Enhanced Security

• APEX 20 delivers more vital security features to ensure applications are resilient against modern threats.

APEX 20.1 vs. APEX 20.2

It’s important to note that the features and capabilities described above were introduced over two main releases of Oracle APEX 20:

• APEX 20.1: Introduced the Redwood UI refresh, Faceted Search, and initial developer productivity improvements.
• APEX 20.2: The feature set was expanded with the Maps Component, PWA support, and more robust automation and security capabilities.

Why Choose Oracle APEX 20?

If you’re looking to develop web applications quickly and securely, Oracle APEX 20 offers several compelling reasons:

• Rapid Development: Build applications faster than ever before with its low-code approach.
• Database-Centric: APEX leverages the strength and power of the Oracle Database.
• Scalability and Performance: Create applications that handle massive datasets and user loads.
• Security: Robust security features are built-in to protect your data.
• Cost-Effective: APEX is included with your Oracle Database license (for supported Oracle Database editions).
• Active Community: A large, supportive community to help you learn and succeed.

Get Started with Oracle APEX 20

Ready to try it out? Here’s how to dive into APEX 20:

1. Oracle APEX Website: Explore resources, tutorials, and documentation on the official website: https://apex.oracle.com/
2. Oracle Free Tier: Get hands-on with APEX for free in the Oracle Cloud: https://www.oracle.com/cloud/free/

• Oracle APEX 20 provides significant updates to a robust development framework. If you work with the Oracle Database or are looking for a low-code solution to rapidly build web applications, it is a fantastic tool to consider.