Oracle APEX Introduction
Oracle APEX is a low-code development platform used to create web applications. It was released in 2004 and runs entirely inside the Oracle Database. APEX supports wizard-based development, making it easier for developers to build applications quickly with minimal coding. It is a fully declarative and metadata-driven tool—meaning it stores all the metadata for applications, pages, regions, and items in database tables to define the application's structure.
APEX uses its own rendering and processing engine called the APEX Engine (www_flow) to handle the creation and functioning of pages. Even though it is a stateless platform, APEX stores the runtime application state in the database tables, which allows it to manage user sessions efficiently and support connection sharing effectively.
Because it's built directly on top of the Oracle Database and uses SQL and PL/SQL as its core programming languages, APEX provides zero-latency data access, outstanding performance, and excellent scalability right out of the box. APEX is a built-in feature of the Oracle Database, which means it is included with every Oracle Database license and also comes at no additional cost with any Oracle Cloud subscription.Oracle APEX Architecture
Three-Tier Architecture
Client (Web Browser)
Middle Tier (Web server – ORDS)
Oracle Database (Oracle DB with APEX)
Page REQUEST flow
The web browser sends a request to the server.
The request is received by Oracle REST Data Services (ORDS) on the web server.
ORDS forwards the request to the Oracle Database.
Processing in Database
Inside the database, Oracle APEX handles the request.
All business logic, data processing, and page rendering occur within the database itself.
Page RESPONSE Flow
After processing, the result (HTML output) is passed back from APEX through ORDS.
ORDS delivers the final response to the web browser.
Use cases
1. Replacing spreadsheet
Oracle APEX is an excellent tool for converting Excel-based processes into secure, scalable web applications.
APEX allows importing spreadsheet data directly into a database and building user-friendly apps to manage that data with better validation, auditing, and multi-user access.
Spreadsheets can lead to data duplication, version control issues, and lack of security.
2. RAD – Rapid Application Development
APEX is designed for quick development cycles, making it ideal for Rapid Application Development (RAD).
This makes it perfect for prototyping, proof of concepts, or quickly delivering production-ready apps in days instead of weeks.
Developers can build fully functional applications using built-in wizards, drag-and-drop components, and prebuilt templates.
3. To develop complex Web applications
Despite its low-code approach, APEX supports the development of complex, enterprise-grade web applications.
You can build multi-page, multi-user apps with complex business logic using SQL, PL/SQL, RESTful services, and JavaScript.
Features like Interactive Grids, Charts, REST integration, and custom plug-ins allow high flexibility and performance.
4. Extending EBS with customize logic
APEX is widely used to extend Oracle EBS functionality without modifying its core.
This approach provides tailored business functionality while keeping the base EBS system stable and upgradeable.
You can create custom screens, reports, dashboards, or forms that interact with EBS data securely.
What we do
Oracle APEX Development
APEXPERT specializes in building secure, scalable, and high-performance web applications using Oracle APEX.
We develop custom dashboards, business applications, reports, and end-to-end solutions designed to align with your business logic and workflows.
For example, we have implemented OpenAI (ChatGPT) integration within Oracle APEX—bringing the power of advanced AI directly into APEX applications to enhance user experience, automate workflows, and support smart decision-making.
Low-code Development
We offer low-code solutions using Oracle APEX to deliver applications faster with less manual coding.
It’s ideal for modernizing legacy systems or quickly building internal tools and business apps.
Example: A client needed to integrate with the Google Business API to manage their business listings directly from an internal system — we developed a fully functional APEX app for them in just a few days, enabling seamless management of reviews, locations, and updates.
RESTful APIs and Integration
We help you connect your APEX apps with external systems using RESTful APIs.
This includes seamless integrations with ERP, CRM, payment gateways, cloud services, and third-party applications.
For example, we have successfully implemented QuickBooks integration to connect with accounting software and live integration with PointClickCare, a healthcare platform—enabling real-time data exchange and streamlined operations within APEX apps.
Native Mobile Apps with Flutter and Oracle APEX
We develop native mobile apps using Flutter that work smoothly on both Android and iOS devices.
These apps are integrated with Oracle APEX as the backend, ensuring centralized data and smooth performance.
Example: We built a mobile sales app that syncs with APEX through REST APIs, letting field agents update leads and view dashboards on the go.