In Oracle APEX, making reports is easy because we can use different kinds of data sources.
There are three main types of reports: Classic Report, Interactive Report, and Interactive Grid. Each type works a bit differently to suit different needs.
Classic Report
Straightforward, static report that displays data in a tabular format. It’s useful for displaying data without much interaction, making it suitable for simpler reporting needs.
Interactive Report (IR)
With more interactivity. Users can filter, sort, and customize the report on the fly, making it easier to analyze data and identify patterns.
Interactive Grid (IG)
On top of what Interactive Report offers, IG offers extensive capabilities for data manipulation, including adding, editing, and deleting records inline.
Data Source
Also, there are three types of data sources we can use:
- Table or view
- SQL
- Dynamic SQL returned by PL/SQL Function.
Data Source with Table or View
Simply specify the name of the table or view you want to use, and the report will automatically fetch and display the data from that source.
Data Source with SQL
At times, we may need to showcase data from multiple tables, perform joins, incorporate virtual columns with values based on conditions, and more. In such cases, we can achieve this flexibility by defining our custom SQL queries.
Data Source with Function Body returning SQL Query
In more complex scenarios, it can also accommodate dynamic SQL strings returned by a PL/SQL function. In screenshot below, it is dynamic SQL with conditioned WHERE clause.
Demo:
Interactive Grid (IG):
https://apex.oracle.com/pls/apex/r/zen_medium/sample-collections/sample-interactive-grid-ig
Classic Report:
https://apex.oracle.com/pls/apex/r/zen_medium/sample-collections/sample-classic-report
In summary, Oracle APEX offers an intuitive approach to report creation with a range of options tailored to diverse needs. From Classic Reports to Interactive Grids, users can choose the level of interactivity that best suits their requirements. Moreover, the platform supports various data sources, including tables, views, and custom SQL queries, enabling seamless integration and visualization of data. With Oracle APEX, generating insightful reports has never been easier.
Interested? Get your free APEX workspace here:
https://apex.oracle.com/pls/apex/r/apex/quick-sign-up/request-workspace