Getting Started with Oracle APEX Applications: Exploring the GitHub Repository and Installing Sample Apps

Introduction

Oracle Application Express (Oracle APEX) is a powerful low-code development platform that enables developers to build secure, scalable, and data-driven web applications quickly.

One of the best places to start is the Oracle APEX GitHub Repository and the collection of sample applications available directly within APEX.

In this blog, we’ll explore what these resources offer and how you can install and experiment with sample applications.

What is the Oracle APEX GitHub Repository?

The Oracle APEX GitHub Repository serves as a central hub for resources created by the Oracle APEX team and the community. It contains starter applications, sample applications, plug-ins, and code examples that developers can use to learn, experiment, and build their own solutions.

The repository can be accessed at:

https://github.com/oracle/apex/

These resources help developers understand best practices and discover new ways to leverage Oracle APEX features.

Components of the Oracle APEX GitHub Repository

1. Starter Apps

Starter Apps are fully functional applications designed to address simple business requirements. These applications can be used immediately or customized according to specific organizational needs.

Benefits of Starter Apps:

• Ready-to-use solutions
• Accelerate application development
• Demonstrate Oracle APEX best practices
• Easily customizable and extendable

2. Sample Apps

Sample Apps are designed to demonstrate specific Oracle APEX functionalities and features. They serve as learning resources for developers who want to understand how a particular feature works.

Key advantages include:

• Feature-focused demonstrations
• Step-by-step learning opportunities
• Developer guides and documentation
• Practical implementation examples

3. Plug-ins

Plug-ins allow developers to extend Oracle APEX beyond its native capabilities. They introduce additional functionality, custom components, and enhanced user experiences.

Benefits of Plug-ins:

• Extend standard APEX features
• Add custom UI components
• Improve application functionality
• Enable advanced integrations

Installing a Sample Application in Oracle APEX

Oracle APEX provides an App Gallery that makes it easy to install sample applications directly into your workspace.

Step 1: Log in to Your Workspace

Access your Oracle APEX workspace using your credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to App Gallery

From the workspace home page, navigate to:

App Gallery → Sample Applications

The gallery contains various sample applications designed to demonstrate Oracle APEX capabilities.

Step 3: Select a Sample App

Browse through the available applications and choose one that matches your learning objective.

For this example, we’ll install the Sample Charts application.

Step 4: Install the Application

Click the install option and follow the prompts. Oracle APEX automatically creates the application and its required components.

Once installation is complete, the application becomes available in your workspace.

Exploring the Sample Charts Application

The Sample Charts application demonstrates the charting capabilities available in Oracle APEX.

It allows developers to visualize data using various chart types and understand how Oracle APEX integrates data visualization into applications.

Bar Chart

Bar charts are useful for comparing values across categories. They provide a simple and effective way to visualize trends and differences.

Area Chart

Area charts display quantitative data over time and emphasize the magnitude of change. They are commonly used for trend analysis.

Pie Chart

Pie charts illustrate proportions and percentages within a dataset. They are ideal for showing how individual components contribute to a whole.

By exploring these chart types, developers can learn how to create interactive and visually appealing dashboards within Oracle APEX.

Why Use Sample Applications?

Sample applications provide a practical way to learn Oracle APEX.

Advantages include:

• Hands-on learning experience
• Faster understanding of APEX features
• Exposure to best practices
• Reusable code and design patterns
• Reduced development effort

Conclusion

The Oracle APEX GitHub Repository is a valuable resource that provides starter apps, sample apps, plug-ins, and code examples to help developers learn and build applications efficiently.