Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
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Probably the single most important new feature in APEX 4.2 is the ability to build applications specifically aimed
at mobile devices. APEX incorporates jQuery Mobile to render content for the vast majority of mobile devices.
A unique attribute of the way the APEX team implemented support for mobile devices is that each application
can now include both desktop- and mobile-based user interfaces.
The APEX team has also created a new mobile-specific theme that includes support for mobile page transitions
and gestures such as swipe, tap, and pinch. Another new theme incorporates responsive design, which automatically
adjusts to the screen dimensions and allows the same user interface to work on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
As you can see, the APEX core functionality continues to grow with each release. But what you may not know
is that you can help drive the future direction of APEX. By going to the following URL, you can not only request
new features, but also view and vote on features that others have requested. You need an Oracle Technical Network
account, but it's free and easy to sign up for:
To get a view of what the APEX team is committed to providing, you can read the most recent Statement of
Direction (SoD). It may take a short time after a release for this to be updated, but it normally contains an overview of
the main functional areas for the next planned release. You can find the SoD at the following URL:
What You Need to Get Started
The goal of this topic is to get you started using APEX, to launch you in a way that enables you to grow toward mastery
of the product. To begin, you need three things: access to an APEX instance, access to a web browser, and a copy of
SQL Developer.
Access to an APEX Instance
This is definitely a hands-on topic, so to work through the examples and exercises you need access to an instance
of APEX 4.2. There are a number of different ways you can access APEX; depending on your level of comfort and
expertise with Oracle, some may be better for you than others. Here is a description of the three most common
scenarios:
•
By far the easiest is to sign up for an account on Oracle's hosted version of APEX at
https://apex.oracle.com
.
It's free for nonproduction applications and is a great place to get
started, because you don't have to worry about installing either the database or APEX.
•
If you already have an Oracle database installed locally, you can download and install APEX 4.2
and download the latest version of the software.
•
If you don't have an Oracle database already but would like to install one locally, you can
download a free developer's license version of the database from Oracle Technology Network
11g even allows you to install APEX (albeit an earlier version) as an option in the database
install.
Although having a locally accessible instance of the Oracle database gives you more direct access to the data, it's
definitely not necessary to complete the exercises in this topic. All code and instructions have been written so that
they can be completed on Oracle's hosted instance with no special access required.
