How would you like to be able to build web-based applications with a limited amount of code? What about using prebuilt applications that run in an easy-to-use web environment?

If this sounds interesting at all to you, you need to dig into Oracle Application Express (APEX) prebuilt applications.

Maybe you’re already using APEX. A lot of companies are. In previous iterations, some of the prebuilt applications that came with APEX started to be used in contexts they weren’t intended for, and that could create some issues.

That’s all changed now. Oracle decided to make them ready for use in other contexts, and they’re now hardened for security. With newer iterations of APEX, you have a handy little toolbox of applications that you can deploy for a multitude of useful tasks.

Packaged applications are your IT multitool

The prebuilt applications of Oracle APEX are a unique feature that businesses with some level of Oracle integration can already utilize. Even if you’re not a bigger business that uses Oracle’s frameworks, you can use the free Oracle XE edition if you can work around the limitations.

The applications included in this environment were originally something on the back end—a toy for developers. But those developers realized the value early on and said, “Hey, these are pretty good!”

For a lot of tasks, the APEX prebuilt apps might be all you need. Say you have Amazon Cloud web service and you want to deploy time tracking or product management. It’s already there ready for use. Project tracking? Right there at your fingertips. Competitive analysis? Easy. And all you need is someone with a little knowledge of the APEX framework and a few hours to set it up.

Why would Oracle do something like this?

From what I can gather, they were interested in demonstrating the potential of the framework. In addition, the prebuilt point solutions are an easy way to show best practices to both newbies and curious tinkerers. If you want to make something useful, it’s a great tool for showing you how to do it.

If you’re as intrigued as I am with the many uses of the Oracle APEX prebuilt applications, it’s worth taking a little time to familiarize yourself with them. Take a look. You’ll find plenty to like.

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