New features Oracle APEX from 21.1

VERSIONFEATUREDESCRIPTION
23.2Application Working CopiesWith the introduction of this new feature, you can now create a copy of your application (Working Copy), make changes in the copy, and merge those changes back into your application (Main). APEX produces a visual diff of the changes between your working copy and main application.
You can now do feature development and testing in a working copy of your application, and merge changes back in when you are ready for them to be included in the main application.
23.2New Workflow FeatureThe new Workflow component is implemented in APEX for a fully-integrated workflow solution that lets you automate business processes using an intuitive visual workflow designer. 
23.2New Combobox ItemA new item type, Combobox, is now available
23.2New Image Upload ItemThe new Image Upload item makes it easy to crop, resize, and upload images to your application using on-device processing. You can also configure whether to use the main camera or the selfie camera for mobile devices.
23.2New QR Code ItemThe new QR Code item lets you easily embed scannable QR codes that contain text, URL, phone, email, SMS, or location data. You can also use the associated QR code API to embed QR codes in reports, emails, or other parts of your application.
23.2Custom Map BackgroundsYou can now add custom map backgrounds under Shared Components, Other Components.
23.2Faceted Search EnhancementsYou can now set the sort direction for distinct LOV-based facets.
23.2More Attributes for Template ComponentsTemplate Component plug-ins are no longer capped at 25 attributes. You can now create more complex template components because APEX no longer restricts you to only 25 attributes.
23.2Improved Shared Component SubscriptionsSubscription functionality is now available for the following Shared Components:
23.2Quick SQL UpdatesCreate, maintain, and review application data models with minimal typing, lightning-fast SQL generation, and a built-in entity relationship diagram.
23.2Improvements to REST Source InfrastructureThere are now multiple improvements for REST Data Sources, including support of data types for REST Source parameters, validation for regular expressions, and smaller enhancements for the programming interface for REST Source Plug-Ins.
23.2REST Source Catalogs from OpenAPI DocumentsAPEX can now generate a REST Source Catalog from OpenAPI documents.
23.2OData Connector as a Native REST Source Typehe OData protocol is used by SAP, Microsoft, and other software providers as the protocol for their REST APIs. APEX can now provide connectivity to OData REST APIs out of the box. Support is currently limited to read only (Reports, Charts, etc.). Support for DML (Forms, Editable IG) is planned for a future release.
23.2Support for Fusion Apps ExtensionsYou can now create REST data sources to query, insert, update, and delete data from Fusion Apps REST APIs. After defining your REST Data Sources, use them with any APEX regions to build custom experiences for Fusion Applications data. They take full advantage of APEX features like REST synchronization to improve performance and local post-processing to join remote data to local tables and further filter it using the power of SQL.
23.2Approvals Component Enhancements
23.2Action TasksBuilding on the task framework introduced in the Approvals Component, Action Tasks are tasks that do not require approval. Use action tasks for scenarios where users need to add data to a form, upload a file, verify information, or do other work to complete the task. You can add an action task as a step in an APEX workflow.
23.2Simplified Create Application WizardWhen creating a new application, you now have the option to enter an app name and click Create Application to immediately create the application without going through the Create Application Wizard. The simplified Create Application Wizard generates a new application with a single page and default settings.
23.2Simplified Application ExportExporting applications, pages, and components is now centralized and standardized, making exports more user-friendly. When you export, APEX now only displays the essential, customizable export content, providing a more intuitive experience.
23.2Simplified Application ImportThe import wizard is streamlined and simplified to make importing easier than ever. Install apps with or without supporting objects, pages, and components in just a few steps.
23.2Improvements to Background Page Processing
23.2Populate List Item Subentries with List ReferenceChild items of a static list item can now be populated by referencing a list, with the ability to nest lists up to 10 levels. The referenced list can be static or dynamic. Use the List Utilization report to easily identify list and sublist relations.
23.2Translate Default ReportsAPEX can now translate default reports in Interactive Report and Interactive Grid. The XLIFF file now includes default report translatable texts, including the report name, filter name, highlight name, and chart axis labels. For interactive grids, you can translate the Report Aggregate tooltip, and for interactive reports, you can translate the label and format mask for computations, pivot aggregates, and group by functions.
23.2Ubiquitous SearchWith Oracle Database 23c Ubiquitous Database Search, you can use the DBMS_SEARCH Pl/SQL package for indexing of multiple schema objects in a single index. APEX supports Ubiquitous Search indexes by providing a new search type in the Search Configuration wizard: Oracle Ubiquitous Search.
23.2New Instance Parameters for APEX_INSTANCE_ADMINTwo new parameters are now available in APEX_INSTANCE_ADMIN:
23.2EMP/DEPT Dataset Support in Arabic and ItalianThe EMP/DEPT dataset is now available in Arabic and Italian.
23.2Store Static Resources in Oracle Cloud Object StorageStatic application files, including images, CSS, and JavaScript files, can now be stored in Oracle Cloud Object Storage.
23.2Utility Apps Available in GalleryUtility apps are ready-to-use apps that simplify common APEX application development tasks. If available, the Utility App category shows in the App Gallery.
23.2JavaScript API Updates
23.2JavaScript Library Upgrades
23.1Template ComponentsTemplate Components are a new plug-in type for building re-usable UI components with support for actions, menus, and custom attributes within Page Designer. These components can be rendered standalone as regions displaying one or multiple rows of data, and can also be within reports as partials for a column.
23.1PWA Push NotificationsLow-code push notifications are now available with a single switch. Users on all devices, desktop and mobile, can opt-in to receive push notifications.
23.1Modernized Object BrowserThe Object Browser delivers a more accessible and streamlined user experience that makes managing database objects easier.
23.1Page Processing ImprovementsNew features are available to streamline and better manage page processing.
23.1REST Data Source EnhancementsREST Data Sources are updated to provide more control over source discovery and responses.
23.1Property Graph SupportAPEX now supports building APEX components based on Property Graph queries, a feature introduced in Oracle Database 23c. Build APEX Page Components, shared LOVs, Automations, and Search Configurations directly on a Property Graph using SQL queries.
23.1SQL Developer Web IntegrationYou can now open SQL Developer Web directly from the SQL Workshop menu in the menu bar. This feature requires ORDS version 23.1, and is configured at the instance level.
23.1Capture ECID in APEX Webservice LogYou can now pass the Execution Context ID (ECID) to external web services for end-to-end tracing with the Pass ECID application setting. If this attribute is switched on, customers can relate external web service calls to page calls in APEX.
23.1Application ContinuityA new application security attribute, Session State Commit, controls how changes to session and item values and the accompanying commits are handled:
23.1APEX Administrator DigestMonitor the health of your instances, workspaces, and schemas with metrics and trend charts in the new APEX Administrator Digest. Reports in the summary dashboard include daily metrics for the previous day:
23.1Auto-Provisioning RestrictionsInstance Administrators can now easily manage the auto-provisioning of workspaces with a new UI and API that allows you to define and manage a list of email patterns. Query a block list when auto-provisioning a workspace to restrict email addresses that match the pattern on the block list. Automatic Provisioning must be enabled for this restriction to work.
23.1New Application Administration API PackageYou can now programmatically interface with admin jobs through the new APEX_APPLICATION_ADMIN package. This package contains existing APIs moved from APEX_UTIL
23.1New Color PickerThere is a new web component-based color picker with JET-compatible color objects. You can create the color picker dynamically and change options at runtime to re-render it. The new color picker replaces the old one in Theme Roller, Page Designer, and Interactive Report/Interactive Grid highlighting dialogs.
23.1Import and Export in Theme RollerYou can now import and export theme styles directly from Theme Roller in JSON format. Use the Additional Options menu in Theme Roller to import, export, or reset a theme style.
23.1Region Display Selector EnhancementsThe item plug-in infrastructure is extended to support 25 attributes, up from 15. The apex_application_page_items dictionary view is extended to show these new attributes.
23.1Plug-In Attributes UpdatesThe item plug-in infrastructure is extended to support 25 attributes, up from 15. The apex_application_page_items dictionary view is extended to show these new attributes.
23.1Improved App Icon FidelityWhen creating an application or changing application icons, APEX now generates two new icon files in Shared Component, Application Static Files. These new icons styles support PWAs for all operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
23.1Translation of Runtime Messages into IcelandicAPEX now supports the translation of runtime messages into Icelandic, extending our language support to 32 languages.
23.1Save and Run Page from Code EditorYou can now run standard pages in Page Designer directly from a code editor dialog without closing it first. Use the new Save and Run Page button in the editor toolbar or the default keyboard shortcut (Alt+F8).
23.1Context-Sensitive APEX HelpLinks to documentation resources in internal applications are updated to redirect to the appropriate book or chapter. This improves the quality of all documentation links from within APEX App Builder, SQL Workshop, and other internal applications.
23.1Multi-Tenant AuthenticationThe new Configuration Procedure attribute allows you to use a procedure to dynamically configure authentication at runtime. The authentication procedure runs at least once per session. You can use the procedure to specify the authentication_name, substitutions, and the tenant_id.
23.1Approvals Component EnhancementsA new due date parameter is now available for tasks.
23.1JavaScript API Updates
23.1JavaScript Library Upgrades
22.2Application SearchThere is new declarative search functionality for APEX:
22.2Invoke API Process TypeThe new Invoke API page-level process type allows you to execute procedures and functions completely declaratively, without having to write PL/SQL code:
22.2New Dynamic Content RegionThere is a new native region type: Dynamic Content. Dynamic Content regions are similar to PL/SQL Dynamic Content regions with the following differences:
22.2Approvals Functionality UpdatedThe approvals component has new functionality.
22.2Page Item Session State Data Type – CLOBPrior to this release, Page Items had an implicit session state data type of VARCHAR2. This means the value rendered on the screen, submitted, computed, and validated, was a String, capped at either 4k or 32k bytes in length depending on the database configuration. In APEX 22.2, the internal infrastructure of page items and session state is reworked to support different data types. The first additional supported data type is CLOB.
22.2Date PickerThe new Date Picker is built from the ground up for APEX and provides a streamlined user experience that is faster, more accessible, and lighter weight.
22.2Support for Template Directives in Classic and Interactive ReportsAPEX now supports Template Directives for columns that have an HTML expression in Classic Reports and Interactive Reports.
22.2Number Page Item EnhancementA new attribute, Virtual Keyboard, is now available on the Number page item. You can use this attribute to configure the type of virtual keyboard to use on mobile devices when editing a Number page item:
22.2Vector-Based Map SupportAPEX now supports Vector-Based Map Tiles in the map region. There are three layers available:
22.2Progressive Web App Enhancementshe Progressive Web App (PWA) feature has new functionality.
22.2Naming Actions of Dynamic ActionsYou can now name actions of dynamic actions with a custom description for better self-documentation in Page Designer.
22.2Landmark Support for RegionsLandmarks redefine how screen reader users understand the structure of a web page. Building on previous support in APEX, regions now have full control over how they present as landmarks. Regions either use a template default or override their landmark at page level.
22.2Debounce and Throttle Dynamic ActionsYou can now set the Dynamic Action Execution Type, Time, and Immediate properties to control when actions execute:
22.2Updated Rich Text Editor
22.2Drawer Modal Dialog TemplateThe latest Universal Theme includes Drawer Dialog Template. This template can be selected if the page mode is Modal Dialog.
22.2Updated Global Search (Spotlight Search)
22.2JavaScript API Updates
22.2PL/SQL API Updates
22.2JavaScript Library Upgrades
22.1Approvals and Unified Task ListCreate approval tasks with new processing elements, and easily manage the progress of tasks from a single Unified Task List for easy maintenance.
22.1Create Page WizardThe Create Page wizard is drastically simplified to make it easier than ever before to create pages in your APEX apps. The streamlined wizard applies smart defaults, minimizes user input, improves page navigation, and more.
22.1Export Application Metadata in JSON or YAML FormatApplication Export now has a readable/diffable version in JSON or YAML format.
22.1Natural Search on Row SearchA new attribute, Tokenize Row Search, is added to the Application Definition page. Previously, any component that executed a row search performed an exact match search. Search terms are now applied more generally.
22.1Region Sort Page ItemThe new Sort Order item type lets you easily configure sorting options for your regions. This is particularly useful for region types that do not support ordering on their own, such as the Cards region.
22.1Markdown and Rich Text EnhancementsA more consistent content styling is now available across all components (classic report, interactive report, interactive grid, display only item, markdown editor item, and rich text editor item). The Markdown Editor page item now displays as a Display Only item in Read Only mode to stay consistent with other components.
22.1Customizing the PWA Service WorkerAdvanced users can tap into the full power of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) by adding their own service worker code. Customizing the Service Worker gives users the ability to:
Implement push notifications
Enable offline mode
Perform background synchronization
22.1Persistent AuthenticationPersistent Authentication allows users to open an application without having to sign in each time. Once you enable Persistent Authentication on the instance level and check the PWA option in the Application Wizard, the Login page of the generated application automatically contains a Remember Me checkbox.
22.1Improved Region ImagesRegion Image and Image Tag Attributes previously were available in the Property Editor for all regions, regardless of the template and including regions without a template. Now, Region Image and Image Tag Attributes have been deprecated, and are not available for regions that don’t have a template defined.
22.1Data GeneratorUse the Data Generator to quickly prototype data by creating blueprints with tables, columns, and custom data sources.
22.1Application IconsApplication Icons are redesigned. Upload your application icon once, and let APEX propagate it to your application at runtime.
22.1Effortless App Gallery InstallsSample and Starter Apps can once again be installed directly from the Gallery. This feature had been removed in Oracle Application Express 21.1.
22.1Session OverridesThere is a new Developer Toolbar option for Session Overrides that allows you to set APEX session variables at runtime.
22.1File URL Enhancements
22.1Add Workspace Static Files to Component ExportExport Workspace Static Files using Component Export.
22.1Subscription Support for ListsLike many other Shared Components, lists now support the subscription feature.
22.1REST SourcesIntroduces a new REST Source Type, REST Enabled SQL Query. 
22.1Code Editor EnhancementsThere is a new editor setting for Bracket Pair Colorization.
22.1New JavaScript Initialization Code AttributeThe JavaScript Initialization Code attribute is added to the Faceted Search, Smart Filters, and Cards regions. This allows advanced customization of the region during initialization.
22.1Plug-In Support for Faceted Search/Smart FiltersPlug-in developers can now make a region plug-in compatible with Faceted Search and Smart Filters. Region plug-ins can then be connected to a Faceted Search or Smart Filters region in Page Designer. At runtime, the region automatically refreshes as the filters change. Data is automatically filtered
22.1Email Template UpdatesSpecific attributes of email templates now support template directives.
22.1JavaScript Library Upgrades
22.1JavaScript API Updates
22.1PL/SQL API Updates
21.2Smart FiltersSmart Filters is a new search component that enables users to quickly narrow data down with filters suggestions or search terms. Developers can use this component to provide users with a simplified search experience that eliminates clutter and provides a single control to instantly find information.
21.2Progressive Web AppsYour apps can easily be defined as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to take advantage of advanced caching and improved performance. These apps can also be installed on your smartphone of choice with device-specific installation instructions.
21.2Universal Theme & UI UpdatesTake greater control over your application’s user interface with additional component positions across page templates, modal dialog drawers, improved accessibility, smoother page loading, and much more.
The updated Reference App now provides live Template Option previews, documented CSS variables, and a new Theme Version menu in the header to quickly jump to Reference Apps for previous versions of the Universal Theme.
21.2Faceted Search EnhancementsFaceted search now has declarative support for multi-value columns, has improved accessibility, and gives you more control over how a facet is displayed.
21.2Updated Alert and Confirm Dialogs
21.2Geocoding and Map ItemsGeocode your addresses and display a map as a page item without an API key.
21.2REST Catalogs and ImprovementsUsers can now search and browse through a catalog that contains metadata about REST Services and create APEX REST Data Sources based on REST Service metadata within the catalog. In addition, there is built-in pagination support for Simple HTTP REST Data Sources.
21.2Improved Report Downloads, Subscriptions, and Printing
21.2Improved Editors
21.2Environment Setup
21.2Email and Email Template Enhancements
21.2Additional Features
21.2JavaScript Library Upgrades
21.2JavaScript (jsDoc) Updates
21.2Data Package
21.2Font APEX Enhancements
21.2New Copyright Banner for Application Export
21.1Native Map Region TypeVisualize location data on a map with the new native Map Component.
21.1Native Markdown SupportNew public PL/SQL API APEX_MARKDOWN to convert Markdown into HTML on the server. APEX_MARKDOWN implements the Commonmark specification, v0.29.
21.1Universal Theme EnhancementsEnhanced Redwood Light Theme Style which is more inline with the Redwood Design System.
New Row CSS Classes Page Designer attribute added to to Region, Page Item, and Item Buttons.
New Theme Style Page CSS Classes attribute added to Theme Styles (see Using Theme Styles).
21.1Import Application Export as ZIPApp Builder now supports the import of an application export which has been created as a ZIP file.
21.1Additional Lazy Loading SupportClassic and Interactive Reports now support Lazy Loading.
21.1New Application Data LoadingNew Application Data Loading functonality supports CSV, XLSX, XML and JSON formats.
21.1Faceted Search EnhancementsOptional Facets with end user customization.

In Page Designer, Facets and Facet Groups now have two new Advanced attributes called Display Toggling and Initially Displayed.
21.1New Date Picker Item TypeThe new Date Picker is a modern, accessible item type based on the Oracle JET date components.
21.1REST Data SourcesSupport for CSV data.
21.1New Color Picker Item TypeThe new Color Picker replaces the old one and adds new configuration options. It utilizes the Oracle JET Color Spectrum component.
21.1Report PrintingSupport for Complex Text layout languages, Hebrew, and Arabic when exporting to PDF.
21.1Developer Experience
21.1JavaScript Library Upgrades
21.1Application and Page ChecksumView the application and page checksums to compare different application deployments and determine if the application or pages are different.
21.1New JavaScript APIs
21.1FullCalendar Upgraded to v5
21.1Font APEX Icons
21.1Miscellaneous

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