2.1 What is an Oracle Application Express Application?

An Oracle Application Express application enables you to manage and display data from an Oracle database. You build an application using Application Builder. Using Application Builder you can create two different types of applications: database applications and Websheet applications.

Topics:

Understanding the Difference Between Database and Websheet Applications
About the Create Application Wizard

2.1.1 Understanding the Difference Between Database and Websheet Applications

An application is an HTML interface that exists on top of database objects such as tables or procedures. You create both database applications and Websheet applications using the Create Application Wizard. The main difference between these two types of applications is the intended audience. While database applications are geared toward application developers, Websheet applications are designed for end users with no development experience.

About Database Applications

A database application is a collection of pages linked together using tabs, buttons, or hypertext links. Application pages share a common session state and authentication.

To create a database application, an application developer runs wizards to declaratively assemble pages and navigation. Individual pages are organized using containers called regions. Regions can contain text, custom PL/SQL, reports, charts, maps, calendars, web service content, or forms. Forms are made up of fields (called items) which can be selected from the multitude of built-in types (such as text fields, text areas, radio groups, select lists, check boxes, date pickers, and popup list of values). Developers can also create their own custom item types using plug-ins. Session state (or application context) is transparently managed and the user interface presentation is separated from the application logic enabling developers to manage the look and feel of an application by simply selecting a different theme. See "About Database Applications".

About Websheet Applications

By creating Websheet applications, end users can manage structured and unstructured data without developer assistance. Page sections contain unstructured data which can be edited using a WYSIWYG editor. Data Grids enable users to manage structured data without the need for writing SQL. Using runtime dialog boxes, users can add columns, rename columns, and validations. Each page and row of data grid data can be annotated with files, tags, notes, and links. Pages can contain sections, reports, and data grids and everything can be linked together using navigation. All information is searchable and completely controlled by the end-user. See "About Websheet Applications".

Tip:

For more information on applications, click the Learn More link on the Application Express home page

2.1.2 About the Create Application Wizard

You create an Oracle Application Express application by running the Create Application Wizard. To run the Create Application Wizard, click the Create button on the Application Builder home page.

2.1.2.1 Key Decision Points in the Create Application Wizard

When you run the Create Application Wizard, the wizard prompts you to choose the type of application you want to create.

Description of create_app_wiz.gif follows

Description of the illustration create_app_wiz.gif

Options include:

Database. Database applications enable developers to have full control over all aspects of development process and final application functionality. With database applications, developers can directly leverage their SQL and PL/SQL programming skills. Database applications use declarative control over flow control and support full user interface controls through the use of templates and themes. See "About Database Applications".
Websheet. Websheet applications enable users to build data centric applications without any SQL programming knowledge. Websheet applications are simplified and support pages, data grids, and reports. These applications are easy to build and support community contributions. For more information on Websheet applications, click the Learn More link on the Application Express home page. See "About Websheet Applications".
Packaged Application. Packaged applications are fully functional applications that have been designed to address a specific business need. You can install, run, and use packaged applications as is, or unlock productivity applications to customize the solution provided or analyze them to better understand how to use Application Builder to build specific types of functionality. See "About Packaged Applications".