Now it’s even easier to build AI into your apps with low code: Announcing Oracle APEX 24.2 General Availability

January 15, 2025 | 4 minute read
Simon Hunt QVRM
Head of Product Management, Oracle APEX | Database Tools
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Today, Oracle announces the general availability of the APEX 24.2 release. This release makes it even easier to build low code applications and uses the latest GenAI technology to provide a better experience for app users.

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 which help in the following key areas:

  • Use GenAI to quickly create apps
  • Add AI capabilities to apps
  • Build enterprise-ready apps

 

Use GenAI 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 help 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 help create text from a user prompt using a Dynamic Action. Powered by GenAI, this feature helps app users 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 apps

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, helping to simplify development and accelerating productivity.
  • Workflow Templates: Workflows, an APEX capability that helps 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 helps automate 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. APEX is available as a standalone or a fully managed, pay-per-use, service in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) (all global cloud regions), with the APEX 24.2 release expected to be available later this month. 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. It’s also 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. 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. Check out our latest course, Empowering Low-Code Apps with AI, to learn about the GenAI features in APEX 24.2 and earn an APEX+AI Champion badge on completion.

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. 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.

 

Simon Hunt QVRM

Head of Product Management, Oracle APEX | Database Tools

With over 20 years of experience in developing and implementing Oracle APEX solutions within the UK public sector, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role as Head of Product Management for the APEX team. Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in designing, deploying, and managing Oracle APEX applications, ensuring they meet the complex needs of the user.    

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