Oracle APEX 24.2: What's New and How to Upgrade Your Existing Applications

Introduction

Oracle Application Express (APEX) 24.2 is the latest release of Oracle's low-code development platform, packed with powerful new features and enhancements designed to boost developer productivity and deliver richer user experiences. For enterprises in India and the Middle East, staying current with APEX ensures your applications remain secure, performant, and aligned with modern UI expectations. In this blog, we explore what's new in APEX 24.2 and provide a step-by-step guide to upgrading your existing applications.

What's New in Oracle APEX 24.2

APEX 24.2 introduces several innovative features that streamline development and enhance application capabilities. Key highlights include:

1. Enhanced AI-Powered Development

Building on the AI capabilities introduced in earlier releases, APEX 24.2 expands AI-assisted development. The new AI Assistant helps generate SQL queries, PL/SQL code, and even application components based on natural language prompts. This significantly reduces development time and lowers the barrier for citizen developers.

2. Improved Interactive Grid

The Interactive Grid component receives major upgrades, including:

• Column Grouping: Organize columns into logical groups for better data presentation.
• Sticky Headers: Keep headers visible while scrolling through large datasets.
• Enhanced Editing: Improved keyboard navigation and batch editing capabilities.

3. New Charting Engine

APEX 24.2 introduces a revamped charting engine based on Oracle JET, offering smoother animations, more chart types (e.g., Sankey diagrams, Gantt charts), and better performance with large datasets. Charts are now more responsive and customizable.

4. Progressive Web App (PWA) Enhancements

PWAs built with APEX now support offline capabilities more robustly. The new Offline Mode allows users to continue working without an internet connection, with automatic synchronization when connectivity is restored. This is particularly useful for field service applications in remote areas.

5. Security and Compliance Updates

Security remains a top priority. APEX 24.2 includes:

• Support for OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect for social sign-in.
• Enhanced Data Encryption at rest and in transit.
• New Audit Logging features to track user activities.

6. Developer Productivity Tools

New tools include:

• Quick SQL: Generate complex SQL from shorthand syntax.
• APEXlang: A new domain-specific language for defining APEX components as code.
• Improved Debugging: Enhanced debugger with breakpoints and variable inspection.

Why Upgrade to APEX 24.2?

Upgrading to APEX 24.2 offers several benefits:

• Enhanced User Experience: Modern UI components and improved performance.
• Increased Security: Latest security patches and compliance features.
• Developer Efficiency: AI-assisted coding and productivity tools.
• Future-Proofing: Stay supported with the latest updates and community support.

How to Upgrade Your Existing APEX Applications

Upgrading from a previous version (e.g., 23.2 or 24.1) to 24.2 involves a structured approach. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Prerequisites and Compatibility

Ensure your environment meets the requirements:

• Oracle Database 19c or later (23c recommended).
• Oracle REST Data Services (ORDS) 23.4 or later.
• Web server (Apache, Nginx, or Oracle HTTP Server) with required modules.
• Check the APEX 24.2 Release Notes for any deprecated features.

Step 2: Backup Your Environment

Before upgrading, perform a full backup of your database and APEX applications. Use Oracle Data Pump or RMAN for database backup, and export APEX applications via the App Builder or SQLcl.

Tip: Test the upgrade in a non-production environment first to identify potential issues.

Step 3: Download and Install APEX 24.2

Download the latest APEX version from the Oracle APEX download page. Unzip the file and run the installation script:

sqlplus / as sysdba
@apexins.sql SYSAUX SYSAUX TEMP /i/

Follow the prompts and ensure the installation completes without errors.

Step 4: Upgrade ORDS

If you use ORDS, upgrade it to the latest version to ensure compatibility with APEX 24.2. Download ORDS from the Oracle Technology Network and follow the installation guide.

Step 5: Migrate Applications

After installing APEX 24.2, you need to migrate your existing applications. There are two approaches:

• In-place Upgrade: If you are upgrading within the same database, APEX automatically upgrades your applications when you run the installation script. However, you must run the @apxdevrm.sql script to remove the old APEX version.
• Export/Import: Export applications from the old environment and import them into the new APEX 24.2 environment. Use the apex export and apex import commands in SQLcl.

Step 6: Test Applications

Thoroughly test your applications for functionality, performance, and UI consistency. Pay attention to:

• Interactive Reports and Grids: Check for rendering and editing issues.
• Charts: Verify that charts display correctly with the new charting engine.
• Security: Ensure authentication and authorization schemes work as expected.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Test on various devices.

Step 7: Optimize and Leverage New Features

Once your applications are stable, take advantage of new features:

• Refactor code using AI Assistant for improved efficiency.
• Implement PWA offline capabilities for field apps.
• Upgrade charts to the new engine for better visuals.
• Enable enhanced security features like OAuth 2.0.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Insufficient Testing: Always test in a staging environment.
• Ignoring Deprecations: Review release notes for deprecated features and update your code accordingly.
• ORDS Incompatibility: Ensure ORDS is upgraded before APEX.
• Performance Regression: Monitor performance post-upgrade and tune as needed.

How ROSTAN Technologies Can Help

As an Oracle Gold Partner with deep expertise in APEX, ROSTAN Technologies provides end-to-end upgrade services. Our offerings include:

• Upgrade Assessment: Evaluate your current environment and create a tailored upgrade plan.
• Migration Execution: Perform the upgrade with minimal downtime.
• Testing and QA: Rigorous testing to ensure seamless transition.
• Training and Support: Empower your team with training on new features.

With a proven track record across India and the Middle East, we help enterprises modernize their applications efficiently.

Conclusion

Oracle APEX 24.2 is a significant release that brings AI-assisted development, enhanced UI components, and robust security features. Upgrading your existing applications unlocks these benefits and ensures your enterprise remains competitive. By following the steps outlined above and leveraging expert assistance, you can achieve a smooth transition. Contact ROSTAN Technologies today to discuss your APEX upgrade strategy and take your applications to the next level.

Written & reviewed by

Tarun Dutta

Senior Manager — APEX Solutions, ROSTAN Technologies

Tarun Dutta heads Oracle APEX solution delivery at ROSTAN Technologies, building low-code enterprise applications on Oracle APEX and the Oracle Database and modernising legacy Oracle Forms systems. More from Tarun →