In today's fast-paced development environment, efficiency is key. The new built-in AI Powered APEX Assistant on Oracle APEX not only speeds up coding but also significantly simplifies it. Let's explore how this innovative APEX Assistant works and how it can benefit you.
Create Generative AI Service under Workspace Utilities
Oracle APEX 24.1 now supports various popular generative AI Providers, such as OCI Generative AI, OpenAI, and Cohere. To utilize the APEX Assistant, developers must first configure the generative AI service through the Workspace Utilities page in the Application Builder. Here's how you can set it up:
Configuring Generative AI Services
Important Note
You need to have API access to any of the provided AI services. Please ensure you have the API credentials when setting up your AI provider.
AI-Enhanced Code Editor
Split Interface for Optimal Workflow. Once you activate the AI-powered APEX Assistant, your code editor interface will transform into a dual-pane layout. The left side, occupying 60% of the screen, is your traditional code editor. The right side, taking up 40%, is dedicated to the APEX Assistant. This split design ensures you have ample space for coding while keeping APEX Assistant at your fingertips.
APEX Assistant Features
The APEX Assistant is equipped with several handy features to streamline your workflow:
Real-World Examples
The APEX Assistant is designed to understand the language of the Code Editor, such as JavaScript, SQL, and PL/SQL. Here are a few examples to illustrate its capabilities:
Example 1: Interactive Report SQL Editor
The new APEX Assistant in SQL Editor brings advanced features designed to streamline and enhance interactions. Here’s how it stands out:
Automatic SQL Selection with APEX Assistant: With a click on the APEX Assistant, the existing SQL in your code editor is automatically selected.
Natural Language Query Translation: Unlike other code editors that only offer General Assistance, the SQL Code Editor’s Query Builder can translate natural language prompts into SQL queries. For example, you can type "Show all orders from last month," and the Query Builder will generate the appropriate SQL code.
Let's dive into the powerful features of the APEX Assistant in SQL Editor by providing quick prompts in its chat widget.
While working on our app, we can ask the APEX assistant for help with any questions or doubts we have about SQL. Like having a personal SQL coach and mentor, it
explains the answer with concrete examples to help us learn.
These prompts demonstrate how the SQL Editor's Query Builder can translate natural language into SQL queries, making complex tasks more straightforward and intuitive.
Additionally, if we have an error in the SQL code and need to correct a line of code, click "Help me fix this" for instant AI assistance. This feature ensures you can quickly resolve issues with AI guidance even if you encounter issues.
Example 2: Simple JavaScript Function Generation
Let us create a simple JavaScript function using the code editor available with
The AI-enabled Code Editor can also assist with HTML and CSS code, making it easy to generate, improve, and explain it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as Oracle APEX developers, our SQL skills allow us to work with any data. Now, with the AI-powered Assistant, we can write, learn, debug SQL, and even write PL/SQL code, regardless of our skill level. APEX Assistant in the Code Editors on Oracle APEX is designed to make coding more intuitive, efficient, and powerful. Integrating APEX Assistant directly into the Code Editors lets you focus on what you do best—writing great code—while leaving repetitive and mundane tasks to the AI. Try it today and experience the future of coding!
Roopesh Thokala, a Senior Product Manager at Oracle APEX. He is responsible for Product Management activities for APEX, including APEX on Autonomous Databases and APEX Services, with a primary focus on the JAPAC Region. He excels in customer evangelism and takes pride in promptly resolving customer issues. Prior to his role in the APEX Team, Roopesh served as an APEX Developer, Solution Engineer, and Solution Architect. He also actively supports various Oracle APEX user groups across the JAPAC region.