Database Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 11
Understanding Websheets
Websheets were a new marquee feature of APEX 4.0 and deliver end-user control over
both web content and structure. In the early days of APEX, when it was still known as
Project Marvel and later HTML DB, some people thought that end users could use
APEX to develop their own applications. Although this was true for simple spreadsheet-
like applications, most end users weren't comfortable building web applications that
needed an underlying normalized database together with snippets of SQL, PL/SQL, and
JavaScript. Websheets now fulfill the early promise of end-user development for web
content like blogs, wikis, and very simple business applications. Websheets give end
users this power without forcing them to learn how to normalize a database and write
code. Everything in websheets, except a few optional advanced features, is declarative.
Websheets have been designed so that they're easy to use. However, like all computer
tools, there is an associated learning curve. That's the bad news. The good news is that
the learning curve is very shallow. The tool relies heavily on wizards that lead you intu-
itively through the content-creation processes.
This chapter outlines the underlying structure of websheets, describes the navigation
style, and highlights some of the handy features that will make you productive. This
chapter concentrates on
what
websheets can do;
Chapter 12
concentrates on
how
web-
sheets are built by leading you through some step-by-step scenarios. After reading this
chapter and working through the next chapter, you can quickly create professional look-
ing web content.
Note
As you read this chapter, you may find yourself wondering how to create some
of what is discussed. Not to worry. The examples in the next chapter provide an in-depth
look at the major tasks involved in creating a websheet. This chapter provides the back-
