Low Code App Dev with Oracle APEX: Building a Simple Movie App

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the process of building a simple movie application using Oracle APEX, a low-code platform. It is designed for beginners and will cover everything from importing data to creating a user-friendly interface, including features like dashboards, reporting, and dark mode. By the end of this guide, you'll have a functional movie app that you can customize further.

Step 1: Set Up Oracle APEX

• Sign up for an Oracle APEX account or log in to your existing account.
• Ensure you are using Oracle APEX version 19.2, as this tutorial is based on that version.
• Familiarize yourself with the APEX interface, focusing on the Application Builder.

Step 2: Import Movie Data

• Download the sample movie data CSV file from this link.
• In Oracle APEX, navigate to the Shared Components section.
• Click on Static Files and upload the downloaded CSV file.
• Ensure that the file is correctly uploaded and accessible for your application.

Step 3: Create a New Application

• In the Application Builder, click on Create and select Application.
• Choose the From Scratch option to start building your app.
• Provide a name for your application, such as "Simple Movie App".
• Select a theme that suits your preference; you can opt for a dark mode theme for a modern touch.

Step 4: Add a Dashboard

• In the Application Builder, add a new page and select Dashboard.
• Drag and drop components like charts and tables that display movie data.
• Configure the data sources for each component to pull from your uploaded movie data.

Step 5: Implement Ad-hoc Reporting

• Create a new page for ad-hoc reporting.
• Use the Report component and set it to display movie records.
• Enable filtering options to allow users to search and sort through movie data easily.

Step 6: Enable Faceted Search

• Add a new page specifically for faceted search.
• Utilize the Faceted Search component, linking it to your movie data.
• Configure searchable fields such as genre, release year, and rating to enhance user experience.

Step 7: Test Your Application

• Run your application to test all features, including the dashboard, reports, and search functionalities.
• Make adjustments as necessary to improve usability and performance.

Step 8: Download Sample Movie Set

• On the homepage of your app, include a link to download the sample movie set.
• Ensure the link points to the CSV file uploaded in the Shared Components section.

Conclusion

You have successfully built a simple movie app using Oracle APEX that includes essential features like a dashboard, ad-hoc reporting, and faceted search. This application can serve as a foundation for more complex projects. Explore additional functionalities and customization options to enhance your app further. Happy coding!