About Using PL/SQL in Menu Item Commands
Structurally, PL/SQL menu item commands are similar to form triggers. In addition to standard application functions such as navigation, validation, and database interaction, you can use PL/SQL menu item commands to:
- invoke a form (in the same session) using the
OPEN_FORM, CALL_FORM or NEW_FORM Built-in procedures.
- execute operating system commands using the
HOST Built-in routine. Parameters to the HOST routine specify the operating
system command to execute, whether or not Oracle Forms clears the current
form from the screen, and whether or not Oracle Forms waits to be prompted
by the end user before returning to the current form or does so automatically
after the command is executed.
- invoke Graphics using the Built-in procedure
RUN_PRODUCT, which provides integration between Oracle Forms and Graphics
by allowing you to pass parameters and data values.
- call the DO_KEY Built-in, which executes the
key trigger that corresponds to the specified Built-in routine. If no such
trigger exists, the specified routine executes. This behavior is analogous
to an end user pressing the corresponding function key.
- use the EXECUTE_TRIGGER Built-in, which allows
you to refer directly to the values of form items. Since a direct reference
from the menu item itself is not allowed, write a user-named routine or anonymous
block that uses a direct reference, place it in a user-named trigger, then
use EXECUTE_TRIGGER to call that trigger.
Related topic
EXECUTE_TRIGGER Built-in