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IT Developer at Bdl
Real User
Top 20
Fast, secure, affordable, and improves productivity significantly
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is fast."
  • "The product must provide more triggers."

What is our primary use case?

I use the solution for rapid application development.

What is most valuable?

The product is fast. It takes less time to go from development to production. It takes just a few minutes. Progressive Web Apps is the best feature of the product. It is helpful both on the cloud and on our mobile devices. The low code aspect of the solution has improved our productivity significantly. The security features have helped our applications to be secure from all dimensions.

What needs improvement?

There are not many triggers available. The product must provide more triggers.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for six years.

Buyer's Guide
Oracle Application Express (APEX)
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Oracle Application Express (APEX). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We had issues with stability earlier when we were using the 19th edition. Now, we are using 23. It is far better than 19. Now, the product is stable. I rate the stability a seven out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have 3000 users in our organization. The product is scalable. I rate the scalability an eight out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The product was easy to deploy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate the pricing a three out of ten. The tool is not expensive.

What other advice do I have?

Earlier, we were using Oracle applications. Now, we are using APEX. I will recommend the solution to others. Overall, I rate the tool an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2307546 - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
Real User
Top 20
An enterprise low-code application development platform from Oracle Corporation for developing and deploying cloud
Pros and Cons
  • "In our experience with Apex, we find that minimizing reliance on HTML and JavaScript is preferable, especially considering our background as seasoned programmers adept in PL/SQL. Incorporating HTML and JavaScript can pose challenges due to potential compatibility issues when updates are made to JavaScript. We also make use of JAPER report integration for generating reports, a practice integral to our reporting procedures."
  • "Apex has effectively incorporated new market trends into its features. The platform's user-friendly nature is notable, guiding developers through the development process. While advanced customization of the user interface with HTML and CSS is possible, the out-of-the-box options often suffice, providing 80-90% of the required functionality. The IDE is commendable, yet an enhancement in the Page Designer to allow a real-time preview of layout changes would be beneficial. Currently, running the page is necessary to visualize layout adjustments, but an immediate preview during the design phase would be a valuable improvement."

What is our primary use case?

We use Apex for the development of publications, specifically in the context of a payroll system. Presently, we are using Apex version 20, but there is an update available to version 31.2. The migration was not a one-to-one transfer, as leveraging Apex effectively requires a shift in programming approach to create an optimal user interface. Adapting to Apex involves relinquishing old programming habits, but the platform offers extensive capabilities that, once mastered, facilitate a user-friendly experience.

What is most valuable?

In our experience with Apex, we find that minimizing reliance on HTML and JavaScript is preferable, especially considering our background as seasoned programmers adept in PL/SQL. Incorporating HTML and JavaScript can pose challenges due to potential compatibility issues when updates are made to JavaScript. We also make use of JASPER report integration for generating reports, a practice integral to our reporting procedures.    

What needs improvement?

Apex has effectively incorporated new market trends into its features. The platform's user-friendly nature is notable, guiding developers through the development process. While advanced customization of the user interface with HTML and CSS is possible, the out-of-the-box options often suffice, providing 80-90% of the required functionality. The IDE is commendable, yet an enhancement in the Page Designer to allow a real-time preview of layout changes would be beneficial. Currently, running the page is necessary to visualize layout adjustments, but an immediate preview during the design phase would be a valuable improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Oracle Application Express (APEX) since 2011.

How are customer service and support?


In Venezuela, due to Oracle severing ties with the government, obtaining information from Oracle requires a VPN, falsely claiming to connect from another country. This change occurred following political decisions affecting international relations. Despite being an Oracle Gold Partner since 1991, the company decided to discontinue partnerships in Venezuela. This has disrupted a three-decade-long relationship, impacting customer support and services. I was the first to introduce Oracle licenses to Venezuela, beginning with Oracle version 5 in 1991. However, these historical connections are now constrained due to recent geopolitical decisions.

How was the initial setup?

It is easy to install and I would rate the installment process 8 out of 10, a piece of cake.

The installment process for our system can be intricate, especially considering ODBC connections to the Oracle database. This involves optimizing for sharing and accommodating multiple users, ensuring efficient session management. Unlike a user-friendly click-and-install approach, our Linux-based installation demands a command-line understanding, necessitating familiarity with Linux commands. We opt for Linux over Windows Server, prioritizing cost-effectiveness with platforms like Oracle Lenovo or CentOS.Initially, we provided hosting on our cloud but encountered challenges with clients reluctant to pay for hosting services. Factors such as unreliable internet and frequent electricity outages in Venezuela further contributed to this preference for on-premise deployment.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Apex is not priced separately; instead, it is associated with the Oracle database. A free option for Oracle database and Apex can be downloaded and installed on this complimentary database version. This aligns with our current approach.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate it 9 out of 10. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Oracle Application Express (APEX)
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Oracle Application Express (APEX). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Computer Specialist at a government with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Good design features, easy to use, straightforward and easy to deploy
Pros and Cons
  • "I like the way that it automatically goes into the spreadsheets and the users can deal with it."
  • "There is not a lot of Wiki help or in Google, but there is some."

What is our primary use case?

We have several projects with 200 to 300 users. 

It is used by developers, building applications for people who want to track things in spreadsheets.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable part of this solution is the database design features. We are able to create tables and prototypes for people during design meetings.

The use of the platform seems straightforward.

It's easy to use.

I like the way that it automatically goes into the spreadsheets and the users can deal with it.

What needs improvement?

There is not a lot of Wiki help or in Google, but there is some.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Oracle Application Express (APEX) for a year.

We are still on version 5.1. We are trying to upgrade and move to the cloud.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It seems pretty stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is an area of concern, as we are not sure. We have not explored its scalability.

We have the source code in the database and also produce the forms at the same time.

I don't believe that it is a problem. In most of our use cases, we are either going to have small amounts of people and small amounts of data. 

We have many different teams using it in different areas. For example, we have a big glassware ordering team that uses it, a national management team that uses it to schedule groups and managing programs or agricultural programs. There are nine or ten different teams.

How was the initial setup?

I was not a part of the installation, but it is straightforward when deploying the updates.

We have a team of three or four developers and one admin to maintain this solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is a trial version available that can be used free of charge.

What other advice do I have?

I would suggest trying it for free on the web to see how well it works. You start with the free version, which is version 5.,1 and it's really good. Once you download it and implement it, you have the newest version.

I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Ovidiu Vasu - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical Manager IT Development at Sostenia
Real User
Builds functionalities in a very short time and provides useful AI features
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution can build functionalities in a very short time."
  • "The grid reports contain a lot of bugs."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution to build and customize applications for our clients. We use it internally and for external clients.

What is most valuable?

The solution can build functionalities in a very short time. It is web-based. The tool contains a set of reports for managing databases. We have integrated the product with SAP and MySQL databases. The integration is productive.

What needs improvement?

The grid reports contain a lot of bugs. The dynamic reports must contain drill-down features. It will be easy to use the reports with such features. Microsoft, SAP, and QlikView provide such functionalities.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool is very stable. I rate the product’s stability a ten out of ten. We had a problem with the database that interrupted our work, but Oracle Application Express did not face any issues. We were concerned that the application would crash, but it didn’t happen. The tool is quite reliable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the product’s scalability a ten out of ten. All the new versions maintain the tool's compatibility and have all the functionalities present in the previous version. We have ten customers. Our customers are small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses.

How are customer service and support?

The support is very good. The team provides quick responses and resolves our issues.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

It is very easy to install the tool. I rate the ease of setup a ten out of ten. The product can be deployed on Oracle’s cloud and on-premises. The deployment can be done within eight hours. To deploy the tool, we install the database object, forms, and reports. The deployment can be long or short, depending on the number of objects. We cannot install the tool without an Oracle Database license.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

If the product is installed on the cloud, the support is included in the license we pay. I rate the pricing an eight out of ten. The tool is free with the Oracle Database license. We cannot use it without the Oracle Database license.

What other advice do I have?

I am an integrator. People who want to use the tool must use structured programming. The code must be structured and disciplined. I recommend the tool to others. Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
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PeerSpot user
Imtiaz  Ahmad - PeerSpot reviewer
System Administrator at Wellness One Day Surgery Center
Real User
Doesn't require hard coding for reports and builds, and is user-friendly, but its integration with other solutions and slow downloading of reports could be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "What I like best about Oracle Application Express (APEX) is that it doesn't require hard coding for reporting and building applications. It's a GUI-based application builder that even end-users with little development and language knowledge can develop applications on Oracle Application Express (APEX). The software is also very user-friendly, which I find valuable."
  • "An area for improvement in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is the slow reporting because pulling the report for two months, one year, three years, etc., is very slow. It takes more than thirty minutes to download the report. There's also room for improvement in integrating Oracle Application Express (APEX) with other vendors, such as open-source solutions through API integration. I believe Oracle is working on this feature, or the issue could be because my organization is using an older version of Oracle Application Express (APEX). The Oracle database also has to be improved because it's still lacking in some packages, triggers, and indexes."

What is our primary use case?

My organization's primary use case for Oracle Application Express (APEX) is application development, as it's an Oracle builder software so that you can develop applications on it for the Oracle database.

The application developed on Oracle Application Express (APEX) is used for patient registrations, clinical documentation, and electronic medical records. It's also used for insurance purposes, billing claims, and coding. The finance team also uses the application that's on Oracle Application Express (APEX) for reporting, and the marketing team uses it for the CRM that's been developed by my organization. The nursing and doctor teams also have modules on Oracle Application Express (APEX), so in terms of use cases, it's used by different departments of my organization.

What is most valuable?

What I like best about Oracle Application Express (APEX) is that it doesn't require hard coding for reporting and building applications. It's a GUI-based application builder that even end-users with little development and language knowledge can develop applications on Oracle Application Express (APEX). The software is also very user-friendly, which I find valuable.

What needs improvement?

An area for improvement in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is the slow reporting because pulling the report for two months, one year, three years, etc., is very slow. It takes more than thirty minutes to download the report.

There's also room for improvement in integrating Oracle Application Express (APEX) with other vendors, such as open-source solutions through API integration. I believe Oracle is working on this feature, or the issue could be because my organization is using an older version of Oracle Application Express (APEX).

The Oracle database also has to be improved because it's still lacking in some packages, triggers, and indexes.

Process or workflow automation is a feature I'd like to see in the next version of Oracle Application Express (APEX). My organization has a lot of processes because the patient has to click a button to trigger a consultation with the doctor, so if the process is automated, that will make Oracle Application Express (APEX) better for my organization.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using Oracle Application Express (APEX) for eight years, but I'm not a developer. I'm just a front-end support person.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Oracle Application Express (APEX) isn't a reliable solution, at least the current version used in my organization. You must monitor it every day or every two days because it can be down anytime. My organization has a daily backup for it and even sets up emergency servers because the server has downtime for thirty minutes to one hour, or randomly, once or twice a month.

Oracle Application Express (APEX) can't seem to handle the user requests sent to the server, so the server was upgraded, but this could be because it's an old version, and if my organization upgrades to the new version of Oracle Application Express (APEX), maybe it'll sort out the stability issue.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Oracle Application Express (APEX) isn't a scalable solution because my team had to check a workaround to be able to scale it. For example, if the database reaches 80% or if it has a lot of users in one day, there's no scalability option for those instances.

How are customer service and support?

I haven't tried contacting the technical support for Oracle Application Express (APEX) because a different team contacts Oracle support.

How was the initial setup?

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is very easy to deploy. I deployed it on my new branch, and it only took me five to six hours to complete the deployment.

What about the implementation team?

I implemented Oracle Application Express (APEX) for a new branch, so the implementation was in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

To my understanding, my organization is using the free version of Oracle Application Express (APEX), but I'm unsure because I haven't checked the pricing or licensing cost for it.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

My organization was new to the business when it decided to use Oracle Application Express (APEX). Management realized there was a better solution that was also Oracle-based, without the issues encountered by Oracle Application Express (APEX). Hence, there's a plan to switch to the other Oracle solution next year in the first quarter.

What other advice do I have?

I work in the healthcare sector, and the EMR system I'm using is developed on Oracle Application Express (APEX). My organization also uses Microsoft 365, but just the basic version for exchange purposes.

I'm a user of Oracle Application Express (APEX). I'm using a very old version of Oracle Application Express (APEX), version 4.2.

I'd advise anyone looking into using Oracle Application Express (APEX) to try the new version of the solution rather than the old version because the new version is good. Oracle has updated the forms and reports in the latest version and integrated many APIs for open-source solutions. The new version of Oracle Application Express (APEX) is more advanced than the older version because it now has SQL server compatibility, so I recommend it.

My rating for Oracle Application Express (APEX) is six out of ten, particularly for the current version used in my organization, as it has a lot of issues, but as I've said, it's an old version that needs to be updated to the latest one.

My organization is an Oracle customer.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Technical team lead at DTC
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
A powerful and easy-to-use product that accelerates development and provides customized reports
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is easy to use."
  • "It can only be deployed on Oracle Database."

What is our primary use case?

We use the product for customizing applications for our organization. We use it for legal affairs, customized reporting, and KPIs.

What is most valuable?

The product is easy to use. It accelerates development, and it is powerful. The report gives all the insights we need within a few steps.

What needs improvement?

The product must improve the transaction features. It is difficult to integrate the solution into other databases. It is a data-driven tool. It can only be deployed on Oracle Database.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool is very stable. We have been using some applications for five years without any serious issues. The tool is stable even as the data grows.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool is scalable. We have around 40 users in the organization. Sometimes, the number of users might reach 60, depending on the modules.

How are customer service and support?

The community is very helpful. We do not raise many tickets to Oracle because the community solves most issues.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment took us one to two hours. If you already have Oracle installed, it will save you time. We have to run some files related to the product and store them in Oracle Database. Then, we can deploy and configure it with the application setup. We can use open-source platforms like Apache Tomcat or GlassFish. We need a solution architect and two developers for deployment and maintenance.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product is completely free of cost. We have to pay for Oracle Database. Some people use Oracle Database Express Edition, which is free. They run the transactions through APIs.

What other advice do I have?

The solution is directly connected with Oracle Database. Without Oracle Database, we can't develop it. I fully recommend the solution to users who have Oracle Database. We can use the solution for free if we have access to Oracle Database. It also covers some enterprise features. Overall, I rate the product a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Didar Moldabekov - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Database Administrator at Overonix Technologies
Real User
Allows us to easily configure and set up web pages but should include the ability to control shared sessions
Pros and Cons
  • "It helps us create web pages quickly."
  • "You also need an APEX specialist for deployment because not many people use it."

What is our primary use case?

We're using version 18. This solution is deployed on a private cloud.

We're using APEX to create web pages that display data from our database.

What is most valuable?

It helps us create web pages quickly. If we create web pages manually, we need to create a web service, which requires more time and more resources from Amazon. With APEX, we can easily configure and set up web pages.

What needs improvement?

When we connect to web pages, APEX creates dedicated sessions in the databases. It would be easier if we could control the shared sessions. For example, if 10 people connect to 10 web pages, APEX will create 10 sessions for two databases. If we share the sessions, we can easily control the sessions and save resources.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used APEX for one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is okay because if the database works, APEX will work.

I would rate the stability as nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

To scale APEX, you need to scale the databases. They're directly related.

I would rate the scalability as six out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

Setup isn't difficult, but you need to prepare and read the documentation. For example, the setup will be different in Amazon. 

Deployment depends on the architecture. It's easy to export configurations from APEX. You only need to make simple changes when importing configurations. 

If you want to update versions of APEX, it's difficult because you need to redesign your own web pages. For example, the new version of APEX can't use old designs, so you need to check different web page designs before updating APEX. It's one of the points of difficulty in APEX. 

You also need an APEX specialist for deployment because not many people use it.

Oracle has official documentation that shows how to do setup, so it isn't difficult.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate this solution as seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Ganesh Gurudu - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Software Developer at Cegal
Real User
Secure with a straightforward setup and has good features, but can be a little complicated for less experienced users, and is more suited for smaller scale projects
Pros and Cons
  • "What's most valuable in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is its secure coding functionality, and the solution also has good features."
  • "I've experienced some difficulties when using Oracle Application Express (APEX), particularly when I'm designing forms. For example, when I design a form, I add buttons and controls, but I'm unable to visualize how it'll look unless I run it. You want to design and do things your way, but if you don't have much experience, then you'll find that designing in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is a little complicated. This won't be a problem with anyone more experienced, though. If I wanted to create my design, for example, a different table format or some background images, it becomes a problem, and this is an area for improvement in Oracle Application Express (APEX). Designing should be easier, even for less experienced users. An additional feature I'd like to see in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is more plugins, particularly a repository that contains a lot of plugins, so you can go to that repository and download whichever you like and use it or add it to your project. Right now, I create my plugins, so it would be helpful if Oracle Application Express (APEX) has a repository of plugins people can use, download from anywhere in the world, and integrate into projects."

What is our primary use case?

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is being used in customer companies. My company is a consultant for the solution.

What is most valuable?

What's most valuable in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is its secure coding functionality, and the solution also has good features.

What needs improvement?

I've experienced some difficulties when using Oracle Application Express (APEX), particularly when I'm designing forms. For example, when I design a form, I add buttons and controls, but I'm unable to visualize how it'll look unless I run it. You want to design and do things your way, but if you don't have much experience, then you'll find that designing in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is a little complicated. This won't be a problem with anyone more experienced, though.

If I wanted to create my design, for example, a different table format or some background images, it becomes a problem, and this is an area for improvement in Oracle Application Express (APEX). Designing should be easier, even for less experienced users.

An additional feature I'd like to see in Oracle Application Express (APEX) is more plugins, particularly a repository that contains a lot of plugins, so you can go to that repository and download whichever you like and use it or add it to your project. Right now, I create my plugins, so it would be helpful if Oracle Application Express (APEX) has a repository of plugins people can use, download from anywhere in the world, and integrate into projects.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've worked with Oracle Application Express (APEX) for the new project for the last three months. I  work in DevOps, and my team is currently going through the new release, version 21.1, and focusing on the new BPM and also a lot of other upgrades.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is stable, but twice I faced JavaScript errors when I used the sample application. JavaScript normally works, but when I do a lot of exhaustive usage of the grid, controls, and sorting, the solution hangs or becomes stuck. It won't do anything unless you refresh the page, so I have to refresh the entire page, then restart it. I have to reset Oracle Application Express (APEX).

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is scalable and you can grow it, but its UI gets a little bit complicated. The solution is comparable to Visual Studio and Eclipse, where you don't need to install anything because you can just use it on a browser, but if you're into enterprise-level applications or higher-level applications, you have to look at the bigger picture, and this means that if Oracle Application Express (APEX) has a studio or proper ID'ing, it can go huge potentially.

How are customer service and support?

I didn't contact technical support that much because, in the last three months, my team handled issues on its own. Right now, there's no need for technical support for Oracle Application Express (APEX), but soon, my team might need to contact support.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup for Oracle Application Express (APEX) was very straightforward. I didn't find any problems with setting it up.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I worked on other .NET-focused solutions as well as JAVA-focused solutions, and I'd recommend Oracle Application Express (APEX) for small-scale projects. It's okay for the enterprise level or if you want to develop big applications, but it could be very difficult, though I didn't explore the solution much, I feel that for big applications or enterprise applications, it could be a little challenging.

Oracle Application Express (APEX) can be suitable for enterprise-level applications, but that would require a lot of work and a lot of effort to develop and maintain the applications. The solution has some cool features, but some features could be a bit complicated. The debugging is cool because you just click on the page and directly edit a component on it.

What other advice do I have?

I'm not a partner of Oracle Application Express (APEX). I work in a company that uses Oracle products.

As Oracle Application Express (APEX) seems to be a good solution, I'd rate it seven out of ten. It has some issues that, if fixed, would make it better.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Oracle Application Express (APEX) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: January 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Oracle Application Express (APEX) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.