Today, Oracle announces the general availability of the APEX 24.2 release. This release makes it easier to build low-code applications using generative development, providing enhanced developer and end-user experiences.

Oracle APEX enables developers to quickly build low-code, feature-rich, mission-critical applications that are easy to maintain. With the aim of helping developers leverage AI to accelerate app development and provide a richer experience to app users, the APEX 24.2 release provides enhancements in the following key areas:

  • Use APEX GenDev to quickly create apps
  • Add AI capabilities to apps
  • Build enterprise-ready applications


Use APEX GenDev to quickly create apps

APEX 24.2 further enhances the GenAI-powered development options first introduced in the 24.1 release. Developers can now use the APEX AI Assistant to create and fine-tune custom SQL data models and associated sample data via a natural language interface. This accelerates app development by allowing developers to quickly create database objects that support their application – focusing on the goal of the data model rather than the syntax.
 

Add AI capabilities to apps

The application search component has been upgraded to simplify the setup of AI Vector Search Configurations that power semantic search interfaces in APEX applications. This means that developers no longer need to code AI Vector Search semantic search functionality from scratch and, can instead, easily add that capability to applications using the standard search component. It’s now easier for developers to add AI-powered similarity search to business data, allowing applications to offer much more sophisticated search capabilities to their app users. Application developers can fine-tune the search capabilities via parameters such as index usage, distance metrics, and maximum vector distance. Beyond this, support for AI Vector Search with RAG enables applications that can tap into insights from business data, providing app users with more accurate, context-aware responses to their queries.

The APEX 24.2 release adds the ability to create text from a user prompt using a Dynamic Action. Powered by GenAI, this feature allows app users to generate text in response to specific criteria. For example, a user can select a product from their portfolio in their inventory tracking APEX app and use the Dynamic Action to create a paragraph to describe the history of when and where that product was introduced.


Build enterprise-ready applications

APEX continues to introduce features that make enterprise-scale app development even easier for users. Below are some of the highlights from the APEX 24.2 release.

  • JSON data sources: In the APEX 24.2 release, low code applications can be created from a JSON (or JSON Duality View) data source. This means that during development, developers can use a JSON data source in place of a REST interface, simplifying development and accelerating productivity.
  • Workflow Templates: Workflows, an APEX capability that allows developers to capture sequential processes within APEX applications, now benefits from new options that further ease AppDev collaboration across the enterprise. Common Workflow templates can now be reused, called from other Workflows, or partitioned into more manageable units for greater flexibility and app customization. Workflows can also be provided with input and output parameters to control their operation. For example, in an expense reporting app where there are clearly defined steps (submit/review/approve/pay) you may want to stipulate the minimum amount of a submitted expense.
  • Extend Oracle Fusion Apps: Developers who use APEX to extend and enhance Oracle Fusion applications can take advantage of a new “Create Fusion Integration” option to simplify the process of creating those Fusion extensions. This option automates a number of previously manual configuration steps, and adds single sign-on (SSO) and identity propagation setup that simplify the process of giving users access to the Fusion application extensions.


APEX availability and pricing

Oracle APEX is included as a no-cost feature with any Oracle Database service, including Autonomous Database. It is also available as a standalone or a fully managed, pay-per-use, service in OCI (all global cloud regions). When using the APEX service on OCI, you pay for only the resources you consume, there is no per-app or per-user fee complexity. You can also try a free version of APEX as part of the OCI Always Free services. There is no extra charge for specific features—all features are available to all users. You can learn more about the different options on the Oracle APEX pricing page. 

 

Where can I get Oracle APEX 24.2?

Visit apex.oracle.com now to try Oracle APEX 24.2 via a free online workspace or download the product. APEX 24.2 on APEX Service and Autonomous Database is expected to roll out in all global cloud regions in the next three weeks.

If you are interested in learning more about Oracle APEX, we encourage you to register for the free online learning courses. These self-paced courses offer every developer an opportunity to become proficient with APEX at their own pace and convenience. The Oracle APEX Developer Professional Learning Path gets a new update to align with Oracle APEX 24.2. The learning path now includes both the courses Oracle APEX Developer Professional and Oracle APEX: Empowering Low-Code Apps with AI, along with their hands-on labs. Once you complete the courses, you can sign up for the new 1Z0-771 Oracle APEX Cloud Developer Professional Certification from Feb 14!

Oracle APEX 24.2 is a major new release that introduces several exciting new features. If you are a developer looking to build next-gen AI-powered applications, try Oracle APEX 24.2 today. When you do, we’d love to hear your feedback via apex.oracle.com/forum. For more information about the new features in APEX 24.2, as well as many of the other exciting enhancements, please see the Release Notes or visit the What’s New in APEX 24.2 page. And if you want to learn more directly from the APEX development team, register for the in-person APEX Bootcamp in Austin, TX on January 31, 2025. You can also sign up for the four-part APEX 24.2 New Features Office Hours series on the Oracle APEX Office Hours page.