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Oracle APEX and the Future of
Low-Code Development

Low Code
16/01/25 Lassaad Ben Jamaa Reading time 4 min.
Low-code platforms have emerged as a key technology for rapid and efficient application development by reducing reliance on specialized programming skills. Oracle APEX is particularly well positioned to benefit from the integration of AI, automation and cloud strategies.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses face constant pressure to innovate and deliver software solutions faster, more efficiently, and at lower costs. Low-code platforms have emerged as a pivotal force in this transformation, offering a means to accelerate application development while reducing the dependency on specialized programming skills.

 

Oracle APEX, a long-standing player in the low-code arena, is uniquely positioned to thrive amidst emerging trends in low-code development.

Four Low-Code Development Trends to watch

The adoption of low-code platforms has been nothing short of transformative for organizations of all sizes, from different industries. Low-code empowers business users with minimal coding experience to build applications, while also enhancing productivity for professional developers.

Drivers Low-Code Development

Trend #1 : AI & Automation Integration

AI is set to redefine the low-code paradigm. Platforms will increasingly leverage AI to enhance application development, including:
  • Code suggestions: AI-driven tools will provide real-time recommendations to optimize code snippets or suggest prebuilt templates.
  • Workflow automation: Machine learning models will analyze data patterns to automate routine workflows and streamline processes.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Users will describe desired functionalities in natural language, and AI will translate this into functional application components.

 

Trend #2 : Interoperability and Ecosystem expansion

Low-code platforms will increasingly focus on seamless integration with external tools, databases, and cloud services. Cross-platform compatibility and extended plugin ecosystems will allow organizations to customize their low-code solutions further.

Key developments will include :
  • Extended plugin ecosystems to enhance functionality and customization, low-code platforms will offer an expanded marketplace of plugins and connectors. These plugins will provide ready-made solutions to integrate with third-party tools (e.g., CRM systems, ERP software, data analytics platforms) and external databases.
  • API-first approach adopted by low-code platforms, including support for RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and other industry-standard protocols to ensure smooth data flow between systems.

Trend #3 : Emphasis on Governance and Security

As low-code adoption grows, platforms will emphasize governance frameworks to prevent shadow IT and maintain security standards. Features like user role management, audit trails, and compliance certification will become essential.

Trend #4 : Enhanced Collaboration Tools

As low-code platforms are increasingly adopted by both technical and non-technical users, the need for collaboration among various stakeholders will be more important than ever. Developers, business users, and designers must be able to work together seamlessly to accelerate agile development.

  • Cross-functional dashboards: Low-code platforms will provide centralized dashboards that offer an overview of project progress, including real-time analytics, metrics, and performance insights per business unit. 
  • Design and prototyping tools: Designers and developers will have access to prototyping and wireframing tools within the low-code platform, allowing them to quickly visualize app designs, user interfaces, and workflows.

84% of businesses are adopting low-code or no-code tools to fill the technical gap left by the shortage of developers.

Source: Forrester

How Oracle APEX Fits into the Future of Low-Code

Oracle APEX is a low-code platform that enables businesses to build enterprise-grade apps significantly faster than traditional hand coding using popular JavaScript frameworks.

Here are some ways APEX aligns with the future of low-code:

1. AI-powered Development

Oracle APEX integrates with Oracle’s AI and machine learning services, providing users with capabilities such as predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and AI-driven recommendations for application development. As AI becomes more embedded in Oracle’s cloud ecosystem, APEX users will have a seamless way to incorporate AI into their low-code applications.

Low Code mit Oracle Apex
Source: Oracle

2. Seamless Cloud Integration

With Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), APEX users already benefit from a highly integrated ecosystem. Upcoming trends like multi-cloud strategies and hybrid cloud architectures will see APEX serving as a bridge, enabling smooth connectivity between Oracle Cloud and other cloud providers.

3. Governance and Security

Oracle APEX adheres to strict security protocols, and future updates will likely introduce even more robust features for governance. Expect improvements in role-based access control (RBAC), audit logging, and compliance reporting to align with evolving regulatory requirements.

4. Collaboration and Low-Code Democratization

Oracle’s ongoing focus on collaborative tools, such as shared workspaces and version control, ensures that APEX fosters teamwork between business and IT stakeholders. Features like drag-and-drop components and visual debugging will make the platform even more accessible to non-technical users.

think tank: Pioneering Low-Code Solutions with Oracle Expertise

The future of low-code is undeniably bright, characterized by increased AI integration, greater automation, and enhanced collaboration. Oracle APEX, with its robust database foundation, enterprise-grade capabilities, and integration with Oracle’s AI and cloud ecosystem, is well-positioned to remain a leader in the low-code revolution.

At think tank, we have consistently leveraged low-code platforms like Oracle APEX to deliver innovative, scalable, and secure applications tailored to our clients’ needs, operating in both private and public sectors. Our expertise spans:

  • Custom Application Development: Building enterprise-grade solutions with Oracle APEX, streamlining operations and driving digital transformation.
  • AI & Automation Integration: Implementing Oracle’s AI and internal tools to enhance the functionality and intelligence of low-code applications.
  • Seamless Cloud Deployments: Helping organizations optimize their Oracle Cloud Infrastructure with integrated low-code applications.

Ready to transform your organization with Low-Code?

From AI-driven applications to seamless cloud deployments, we’ll guide your low-code journey every step of the way.

Start your
Low-Code Journey now!

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