ItsNaga

Oracle APEX 24.2 is more than a routine release—it’s a major step forward in how developers build, manage, and scale enterprise applications. From deeper visibility into database dependencies to smarter workflows, native JSON handling, enhanced text messaging, and seamless Fusion integrations, this release focuses on clarity, reusability, and intelligent development.

Let’s break down the five most impactful features introduced in Oracle APEX 24.2 and why they matter.

1. Database Object Dependencies: Full Visibility, Zero Guesswork

Large APEX applications often rely on hundreds of database objects—tables, packages, views, and functions. When backend changes occur, tracking down broken pages or invalid SQL can quickly become painful.

APEX 24.2 introduces a Database Object Dependencies utility that solves this problem head-on.

What’s New:

• Scan an entire application (or specific pages) to identify database dependencies

• Visualize dependencies in a hierarchical tree format

• Instantly navigate to the exact page and component using a given database object

• Separate system dependencies from custom schema dependencies

• Filter and search dependencies for faster analysis

CI/CD Friendly:

A new PL/SQL API (APEX_APP_OBJECT_DEPENDENCY) allows teams to programmatically scan applications during deployments. This means dependency checks and invalid SQL detection can be automated as part of your CI/CD pipeline—no App Builder login required.

2. Workflow Enhancements: Modular, Reusable, and Recoverable

Oracle APEX’s native workflow engine continues to mature in 24.2 with enhancements that focus on reuse, flexibility, and administrative control.

Key Improvements:

• Invoke Workflow Activity
  Call one workflow from another, enabling true modular workflow design. Shared logic can now live in a single reusable workflow.

• Input, Output, and IN OUT Parameters
  Pass data into child workflows and return values—perfect for chaining business processes.

• Resume Workflows at Any Activity
  Administrators can suspend a workflow, modify variables, and resume it from any step—upstream or downstream.

• Copy Workflows Across Applications
  When copying a workflow, all dependencies (such as task definitions) are automatically included.

• Enhanced Console & Wizard Pages
  Workflow pages now use modern template components and modal dialogs, making customization easier and cleaner.

3. Native JSON Data Sources: No Flattening Required

Working with JSON data used to mean parsing, flattening, and storing it in temporary tables. Oracle APEX 24.2 removes that overhead entirely.

What You Can Do Now:

• Define JSON Data Sources directly in Shared Components

• Automatically convert nested JSON into rows and columns using data profiles

• Use JSON sources in reports, charts, and forms

• Perform DML operations directly on JSON data

• Integrate JSON sources with Automations, LOVs, and report queries

APEX handles parsing, transformation, and updates—whether the JSON comes from REST APIs or database JSON columns.

4. Text Message Enhancements: Clearer Syntax & Built-In Localization

Text messages in APEX 24.2 are now easier to manage, safer to maintain, and better suited for global applications.

Improvements:

• Named Substitution Parameters
  Replace positional placeholders (%0, %1) with named parameters like %USER% and %EMPLOYEE%.

• Improved PL/SQL API Usage
  Use APEX_LANG.GET_MESSAGE with named parameters for cleaner, more readable code.

• Automatic Right-to-Left Language Support
  No JavaScript required—text direction is handled automatically for languages like Arabic and Hebrew.

5. Fusion Application Extensions: APEX as an Enterprise Extension Layer

Oracle APEX 24.2 makes extending Fusion Applications faster and more accessible than ever.

The 3-Step Integration:

1. Connect APEX to OCI tenancy

2. Integrate APEX with Fusion Applications

3. Create an extension app using the wizard

APEX automatically configures authentication and REST integrations, allowing developers to:

• Pull data from Fusion modules (HCM, ERP, etc.)

• Run APEX workflows on Fusion data

• Assign tasks, approvals, and notifications

• Store only what’s needed locally while keeping Fusion as the system of record

Bonus: AI-Driven Development in APEX 24.2

Beyond the five core features, APEX 24.2 also unlocks Generative Development (GenDev) capabilities:

• AI Configurations Shared Component

• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) data sources

• Generate Text with AI Dynamic Action

• AI-assisted schema and SQL generation

• Vector search support using Oracle Database 23ai

These tools make it easier to build applications that are context-aware, intelligent, and user-centric.

Final Thoughts

Oracle APEX 24.2 isn’t just about new features—it’s about developer confidence, architectural clarity, and intelligent low-code design. Whether you’re managing complex workflows, integrating enterprise systems, or building modern JSON-driven apps, this release removes friction at every layer.

If you’re already using APEX, 24.2 is a must-upgrade. If you’re new, this release makes the case clearer than ever: low-code doesn’t mean low-power.