Welcome to this tutorial on Oracle APEX. It’s a strong tool for making web apps easily. This guide will focus on testing Oracle APEX, particularly RESTful Web Services.
This tutorial is about making a mobile app with the Universal Theme in Oracle APEX 18. It’s in the Mobile App Series of Oracle Application Express 18, which has three tutorials. Oracle suggests using special reports for mobiles, such as List View and Reflow Report, for a great user experience.
To do this tutorial, you need Oracle APEX 18.1 or newer. You can use free workspace, Oracle Cloud, or an on-premise Oracle to access APEX. These environments are great for building and testing your apps.
Key Takeaways
Free Oracle APEX Practice Test Online
- Learn how to create a RESTful Web Service in Oracle APEX
- Discover how to use the Web Service in an APEX app
- Understand why we test RESTful Web Services in APEX apps
- Explore unit testing and integration testing for APEX
- See how to prepare test data and environments for APEX testing
Purpose of Oracle APEX Testing
Introduction to Oracle APEX (Oracle Application Express) Test
Oracle APEX is a quick way to make web apps for the Oracle database. It’s great for making apps without needing a lot of coding skills. Apps made with Oracle APEX only need a web browser and access to an Oracle database to work. This has made it very popular for making apps that are easy to use and fast to develop.
Testing in Oracle APEX checks that apps work well. It tests different parts of the app and the whole app. It looks at how easy the app is to use, if it’s safe, and other important things. Good testing helps developers find and fix problems early. This means the apps they make are of high quality.
Overview of RESTful Web Services in Oracle APEX
RESTful Web Services are key in Oracle APEX. They let apps talk to each other easily over the web. These services are clear about what they do, showing in the service name and how they work (like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE). Using the RESTful Web Service Wizard in Oracle APEX, making these services is easy. Developers can set them up quickly, making app connections smooth.
Prerequisites for Oracle APEX Testing
Before testing with Oracle APEX, it’s good for developers to know the platform well. That means understanding how data is saved in tables and the PL/SQL code. Knowing about the embedded PL/SQL gateway and a two-tier system (web browser and Oracle Database XE) is a must. Also, it’s important to grasp the ideas of workspaces, user roles, and the whole Oracle APEX setup. This knowledge helps in building a solid testing plan.
- What is Oracle APEX?
- Oracle APEX (Application Express) is a low-code development platform that enables you to build scalable, secure enterprise applications. It runs entirely within the Oracle Database, allowing rapid creation of web applications using SQL and PL/SQL.
- What is Oracle APEX used for?
- Oracle APEX is used for building data-driven web applications, dashboards, reports, and forms. Organizations use it for internal business applications, customer portals, data visualization, and modernizing legacy Oracle Forms applications.
- Is Oracle APEX free?
- Oracle APEX itself is free and included with every Oracle Database license. You can also use it free with Oracle Cloud Free Tier or Oracle XE. Costs only apply to the underlying database infrastructure.
- What are the two main benefits of Oracle APEX?
- The two main benefits are rapid application development through its low-code approach and tight database integration. APEX dramatically reduces development time while providing enterprise-grade security and scalability directly within the Oracle Database.
- What is dynamic action in Oracle APEX?
- Dynamic actions in Oracle APEX are client-side behaviors that respond to user events without requiring page submissions. They enable interactive features like showing/hiding elements, refreshing regions, and executing JavaScript based on triggers.
- What is ORDS in Oracle APEX?
- ORDS (Oracle REST Data Services) is middleware that provides HTTP access to the Oracle Database. It serves as the web server component for APEX applications, enabling RESTful web services and handling communication between browsers and the database.
- What is a workspace in Oracle APEX?
- A workspace in Oracle APEX is a shared development environment where multiple developers can build applications. Each workspace is associated with database schemas and contains applications, SQL scripts, and team collaboration features.
- What is Oracle APEX Listener?
- Oracle APEX Listener (now called ORDS) is the Java-based web server that processes HTTP requests for APEX applications. It translates web requests into database calls and returns dynamic content to users' browsers.
- How to download Oracle APEX?
- Download Oracle APEX free from oracle.com/apex. Navigate to the downloads section, accept the license agreement, and download the latest version ZIP file. No Oracle account is required for the APEX download itself.
- How to install Oracle APEX?
- To install Oracle APEX, download the installation files from Oracle, extract them, connect to your database as SYS, and run the apexins.sql script. Then configure ORDS or the Embedded PL/SQL Gateway for web access.
- How to install Oracle APEX on Windows 10?
- Install Oracle XE or Standard Edition on Windows 10 first. Download APEX from Oracle, extract files, run SQL*Plus as administrator, connect as SYS, execute the installation script, and configure ORDS for browser access.
- How to check if APEX is installed in Oracle database?
- Query the DBA_REGISTRY view using SELECT * FROM DBA_REGISTRY WHERE COMP_ID = 'APEX'. You can also check APEX_RELEASE for version details or attempt accessing the APEX administration URL through your browser.
- What Oracle APEX jobs are available?
- Oracle APEX jobs include APEX Developer, APEX Consultant, Oracle Database Developer with APEX skills, and Full-Stack Oracle Developer. Positions are available in enterprise IT departments, consulting firms, and Oracle partner companies worldwide.
- Is Oracle APEX in demand?
- Yes, Oracle APEX skills are in demand, particularly for organizations modernizing Oracle applications. Job postings for APEX developers continue growing as companies seek low-code solutions for rapid enterprise application development.
- What is an Oracle APEX developer?
- An Oracle APEX developer builds web applications using the APEX platform. They design database schemas, create pages and regions, write PL/SQL procedures, implement dynamic actions, and deploy enterprise applications within Oracle environments.
- What career path does Oracle APEX offer?
- Oracle APEX careers progress from Junior Developer to Senior Developer, then to Technical Lead or Architect. Specialists can become APEX Consultants or Oracle ACEs. Strong SQL and PL/SQL skills enhance advancement opportunities.
- How to learn Oracle APEX?
- Start with the free Oracle APEX tutorials on apex.oracle.com. Complete hands-on labs, watch Oracle Learning videos, practice on the free workspace, and explore community resources like APEX World and Oracle forums.
- Is Oracle APEX worth it?
- Oracle APEX is highly worth learning for database developers and organizations using Oracle. It dramatically accelerates application development, reduces costs, provides enterprise security, and has strong job demand in Oracle environments.
- What Oracle APEX training is available?
- Oracle offers free online training through Oracle University and apex.oracle.com. Third-party options include Udemy courses, LinkedIn Learning, and specialized APEX bootcamps. Hands-on practice with free workspaces accelerates learning effectively.
- How to get started with Oracle APEX?
- Sign up for a free workspace at apex.oracle.com to begin immediately. Complete the Getting Started tutorials, build sample applications, and explore the App Gallery for inspiration. No installation required for cloud-based practice.
Creating a RESTful Web Service Module
Creating RESTful Web Services for Testing
We’ll focus on making a RESTful Web Service with Oracle APEX’s RESTful Services tool. First, we set up a new module. Then, we make a resource template for “employees/” and add handlers for things like GET and POST.
The starting point is to make a RESTful Services module in Oracle APEX. This module holds the parts of our web service – like resource templates and handlers. To do this, go to the SQL Workshop, click on RESTful Services, and start a new module.
Defining Resource Templates and Handlers
Next up is defining what our web service will do. We make a template for what the address looks like and handlers for actions like GETting or POSTing info.
Let’s use “employees/” as an example. We set up a template for it. Then, we make a GET handler to show employee data in CSV and a POST handler to add new employees.
Testing RESTful Web Service Handlers
After setting up, it’s time to test the service. Oracle APEX makes this easy. You can run your service, check the requests and responses, and make sure it’s doing what you expect.
Using the built-in testing, you can see how GET and POST actions work. This step is key to making sure your service works right before using it in your app.
| Key Aspects of Creating RESTful Web Services in Oracle APEX | Details |
|---|
| RESTful Services Module | The container for resource templates and handlers that make up the web service |
| Resource Templates | Represent the URI structure, such as “employees/” |
| Resource Handlers | Define the specific HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and the underlying logic |
| Testing RESTful Web Services | Oracle APEX provides built-in tools to test the behavior of the web service |
Setting Up Test Data and Environment
Oracle APEX (Oracle Application Express) Test
Let’s talk about oracle apex (oracle application express) test. First, we need to get the test data and setting right. The oracle application express makes developing apex applications easier. It’s key to have a good test setup for apex unit testing and apex integration testing.
We use the Employees table to test oracle apex RESTful Web Services. This data is for checking if your apex applications work well. It makes sure everything runs smoothly from apex unit testing to the bigger tests.
Unit Testing in Oracle APEX
In oracle apex, we look closely at all the app’s parts through unit testing. We do this to catch and fix problems early. This makes the overall app better and reduces big challenges later on.
Integration Testing for Oracle APEX Applications
After checking each part with apex unit testing, it’s time for apex integration testing. This test looks at how the app’s components work together. We also check things like performance, security, and user tests. This makes sure the oracle apex app does its job well.
| Test Type | Description | Benefits |
|---|
| Oracle APEX Unit Testing | Evaluating individual components and modules of the oracle application express application | Identifies and resolves issues early, improves overall quality |
| Oracle APEX Integration Testing | Examining the integration and interaction of various apex application components | Ensures seamless functionality and adherence to requirements |
| Oracle APEX Performance Testing | Assessing the scalability and responsiveness of the oracle apex application | Optimizes performance and user experience |
| Oracle APEX Security Testing | Identifying and addressing potential security vulnerabilities in the apex application | Enhances data protection and compliance |
Oracle APEX Questions and Answers
Is Oracle APEX Foundation free?
Yes, Oracle APEX Foundation is completely free. Oracle APEX itself has no licensing cost and is included with every Oracle Database edition. You can use it free through Oracle Cloud Free Tier, which provides always-free APEX workspaces with up to two autonomous databases for development and testing purposes.
How to upgrade Oracle APEX?
To upgrade Oracle APEX, download the latest version from Oracle, stop ORDS, run the catpatch.sql script as SYS, execute apxpatch.sql for minor upgrades or apexins.sql for major upgrades. Afterward, recompile invalid objects and restart ORDS. Always backup your database before upgrading.
How to uninstall Oracle APEX?
To uninstall Oracle APEX, connect to your database as SYS, navigate to the APEX installation directory, and run the apxremov.sql script. This removes all APEX schemas, metadata, and applications. Back up any applications you want to keep before running the removal script, as uninstallation is permanent.
What is breadcrumb in Oracle APEX?
A breadcrumb in Oracle APEX is a navigation component that shows users their current location within an application hierarchy. It displays a clickable trail of pages, allowing users to easily navigate back to parent pages. Breadcrumbs improve user experience and are configured through Shared Components.
How much does Oracle APEX cost?
Oracle APEX itself is free and has no separate licensing cost. It's included with every Oracle Database license. Costs only apply to the underlying infrastructure, whether Oracle Cloud services (starting around $300/month for Autonomous Database) or on-premises Oracle Database licensing based on your edition and processor count.
Does Oracle APEX have certification?
Yes, Oracle offers the Oracle APEX Cloud Developer certification (1Z0-760). This professional certification validates your skills in building applications using Oracle APEX. The exam covers application development, database objects, security, and deployment. Oracle also provides free training courses through Oracle University to prepare.
Can Oracle APEX be hosted?
Yes, Oracle APEX can be hosted in multiple ways. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure offers managed APEX hosting through Autonomous Database. You can also self-host on-premises servers, use third-party hosting providers, or deploy on cloud platforms like AWS or Azure with Oracle Database installations.
Are there alternatives to Oracle APEX?
Alternatives to Oracle APEX include Microsoft Power Apps, OutSystems, Mendix, Appian, and Salesforce Lightning Platform for low-code development. For Oracle-specific alternatives, consider Oracle Visual Builder or Oracle Forms. Each platform has different strengths depending on your database environment and requirements.
How to check Oracle APEX version?
Check your Oracle APEX version by querying SELECT VERSION_NO FROM APEX_RELEASE in SQL Workshop or SQL*Plus. You can also see the version in the APEX Administration Services page footer, or by clicking the Help menu within any APEX workspace to view version information.
What is the latest version of Oracle APEX?
As of late 2024, Oracle APEX 24.1 is the latest major release, with Oracle APEX 24.2 recently announced. Oracle typically releases two major versions per year. Each release includes new features, performance improvements, and enhanced components. Check oracle.com/apex for the current latest version.