By Swathi Ambati, HEXstream data solutions engineer 

In a previous article, we explored how Oracle APEX can use an Excel spreadsheet to quickly create an application that enables data entry, reporting and dashboard functionality. 

However, we are in the AI era where artificial intelligence can further accelerate development.

This article will focus on the AI features available in APEX, how to configure them, and includes a short demo on creating an application based on existing database tables.

AI-powered capabilities in APEX

Oracle APEX offers several AI-powered features to improve development efficiency, including:

·      AI-assisted features in APEX

·      Integration with OpenAI Assistant via Dynamic Actions

·      Oracle AI services: Vision, Oracle Digital Assistant (ODA), Document Understanding, Generative AI, and Select AI

·      Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) capabilities in AI-supported applications with APEX

Oracle APEX simplifies AI integration by abstracting popular AI providers such as OpenAI and Cohere. This is achieved through a REST infrastructure where authentication is managed via web credentials. The AI service interacts seamlessly with the Oracle database and APEX, while relying on AI providers for backend inferencing.

Use cases of AI in APEX

1. Prompt-based app creation—Developers can create APEX applications using natural language descriptions. This significantly reduces development time and improves
accessibility.

2. Natural language to SQL (NL2SQL)—Users can enter queries in natural language, which are automatically converted into SQL statements. This simplifies the creation of reports and interaction with the database, especially for non-SQL users.

3. AI assistant for real-time support—An AI-powered chat widget can assist users with app navigation, query creation and troubleshooting.

Let's look at a simple example of how AI-powered functions can create an application based on existing data.

Activate AI services in APEX

Configure the generative AI services in APEX by setting up the AI provider (e.g. OpenAI, Cohere).

To leverage AI features in APEX 24.1, you first need to configure a Generative AI service within your workspace. This can be done declaratively in just a few steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring a Gen AI Service

Navigate to the Generative AI Settings

From your APEX workspace homepage, go to App Builder.

Click on Workspace Utilities.

Select Generative AI from the available options.

Create a New Generative AI Service

Click Create to set up a new AI service.

Choose an AI provider. APEX 24.1 supports:

• OpenAI
• OCI Generative AI Service
• Cohere

Example: Configuring OpenAI as the AI Provider

Select OpenAI from the provider list.

Enter a service name for easy identification.

(Optional) Provide a static ID, which will be referenced when using the APEX_AI package.

Enable the toggle button for App Builder access, allowing you to use the AI service within your applications.

Set Up API Credentials

The base URL is auto-generated—leave it as default.

Enter your OpenAI API key. (If you don’t have one, visit platform.openai.com to sign up for an API key.)

The default AI model is set to GPT-4.0.

Finalize the Configuration

Click Create to save your AI service configuration.

Your Generative AI service is now ready to use APEX!

Enter a query in natural language:

Use the APEX wizard to describe the application in natural language.

The AI generates a functional APEX application with corresponding tables, forms and reports.

We can see that in the demo video the AI Assistant generates a basic application as a starting point based on a two-line request. You can customize the application as needed, and the APEX AI Assistant can assist in creating and modifying SQL queries throughout the customization process.

This video demonstrates the process detailed above:

Conclusion

AI-powered functions in Oracle APEX significantly speed up development by automating SQL generation, app creation and chatbot integration. With AI-driven features, developers can focus on building smarter applications faster and more efficiently.

CLICK HERE TO CONNECT WITH HEXSTREAM TO LEARN HOW TO ACCELERATE YOUR APEX DEVELOPMENT.