Oracle Form 14c – Comprehensive Guide to Features and Updates

Oracle Form 14c, the latest iteration in Oracle’s development tool suite, has arrived with a suite of new features and enhancements aimed at transforming the way developers create, manage, and deploy applications. With its robust set of tools, Oracle Form 14c reaffirms its position as a leader in enterprise application development.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into the capabilities of Oracle Form 14c, explore its new features, and discuss its impact on modern development workflows.

What is Oracle Form 14c?

Oracle Form 14c is part of Oracle Fusion Middleware, a powerful suite of tools designed for building and deploying enterprise applications. This version builds on its predecessors with significant improvements in UI, functionality, and compatibility, making it a compelling upgrade for developers and organizations alike.

Key highlights of Oracle Form 14c include:

• Enhanced UI and runtime features.
• Improved data handling capabilities.
• Integration with modern technologies like REST APIs.
• Streamlined administration and deployment options.

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Key Features of Oracle Form 14c

1. Enhanced UI Elements

Oracle Form 14c introduces several improvements to UI widgets, enhancing both the developer and end-user experience. Notable updates include:

• Text/Edit Properties: Features like concealed data buttons, placeholder text, and rollover border color add modern aesthetics and functionality.
• Display Items: Advanced properties such as progress bars, animated gauges, and percentage displays make data representation visually appealing.
• Buttons: Rollover color swaps and gradient start sides for buttons offer a polished look.

2. Advanced Data Interaction

Interacting with data is more intuitive with features like:

• REST Integration: Access remote data via REST APIs with support for Swagger/OpenAPI endpoints and JSON formatting.
• Continuous Query Notification (CQN): Monitor specific query results or entire tables to trigger actions using WHEN-EVENT-RAISED triggers.

3. Improved Runtime Features

The new runtime capabilities streamline performance and usability:

• Sorting Enhancements: Block-level column sorting supports ascending/descending orders, case sensitivity, and linguistic order options.
• Filter Block Summary: Summarize unique values in selected items within a block and return results to a record group.

4. WebUtil Enhancements

WebUtil has received major updates, including:

• Faster file downloads.
• Increased text IO line sizes.
• Enhanced IPv6 support.

5. Standalone Launcher Improvements

The standalone launcher in Oracle Form 14c now supports:

• Auto-updates within the same major release.
• Clear cache flags and configurable Java versions.

Developer-Centric Enhancements

Oracle Form 14c is not just about end-user improvements; it’s a developer’s dream with features that simplify coding and design:

• REST Package Designer (RPD): Automate creating Forms Program Units with REST endpoints.
• Design-Time Tools: Preferences like “Create XML After Saving” speed up workflows.
• Modern Custom Logon Dialog: Developers can now craft custom logon forms for better user authentication experiences.

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Compatibility and System Requirements

Oracle Form 14c is built to work seamlessly with modern environments:

• Compatible with Oracle Linux, Red Hat Linux, SUSE ES, and Windows (2024+ versions).
• Requires Oracle Java (JDK) 17.0.12+ or 21 (LTS).
• Supports Oracle Database versions 19.23+ and 23.5+.

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Benefits of Upgrading to Oracle Form 14c

1. Increased Efficiency: Enhanced tools and features reduce development time and effort.
2. Modernized UI/UX: Advanced UI elements ensure a superior user experience.
3. Future-Proof Integration: REST API support aligns with modern development standards.
4. Simplified Administration: Improved deployment options and administration tools streamline workflows.

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Migration Tips

If you’re considering upgrading to Oracle Form 14c, here are a few tips:

• Pre-Planning: Ensure your environment meets the system requirements.
• Backups: Always backup existing forms and databases before upgrading.
• Training: Familiarize your team with new features to maximize the benefits of the upgrade.

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Oracle Form 14c marks a significant step forward in the evolution of Oracle Forms. With its modern features, improved compatibility, and developer-friendly enhancements, it is a must-have tool for enterprises looking to stay ahead in application development.

Whether you are a seasoned Oracle developer or a business decision-maker, Oracle Form 14c offers the tools and capabilities you need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

Ready to Upgrade? Explore the full capabilities of Oracle Form 14c today and revolutionize your application development process. For more information, visit Oracle’s official website.