The section offers a general description of Oracle HTML DB and the components you can use to develop database-centric Web applications.
This section contains the following topics:
Oracle HTML DB is a hosted declarative development environment for developing and deploying database-centric Web applications. Oracle HTML DB turns a single Oracle database into a shared service by enabling multiple workgroups to build and access applications as if they were running in separate databases. Thanks to built-in features such as design themes, navigational controls, form handlers, and flexible reports, Oracle HTML DB accelerates the application development process.
The HTML DB engine renders applications in real time from data stored in database tables. When you create or extend your application, Oracle HTML DB creates or modifies metadata stored in database tables. When the application is run, the HTML DB engine then reads the metadata and displays the application.
Oracle HTML DB automatically maintains session state without requiring any coding. To provide stateful behavior within an application, Oracle HTML DB transparently manages session state in the database. Application developers can get and set session state using simple substitutions as well as standard SQL bind variable syntax.
The Oracle HTML DB development platform consists of the following components:
Application Builder
SQL Workshop
Administration
You use Application Builder to assemble an HTML interface (or application) on top of database objects such as tables and procedures. An application is a collection of database-driven Web pages linked together using tabs, buttons, or hypertext links. Once you create an application, the HTML DB engine renders the application using the templates and user interface elements you specify.
A page is the basic building block of an application. Each page can have buttons and fields, and can include application logic (or processes). You can branch from one page to the next using conditional navigation; perform calculations; run validations (such as edit checks); and display reports, forms, and charts.
Use SQL Workshop to view and manage database objects from a Web browser. SQL Workshop includes the following tools:
Object Browser. View, create, modify, browse, and drop database objects. Use the PL/SQL editor to edit and compile packages, procedures, functions, and triggers while taking advantage of error reporting. See "Managing Database Objects Using Object Browser".
Query Builder. Use Query Builder's graphical user interface to search and filter database objects, select objects and columns, create relationships between objects, view formatted query results, and save queries with little or no SQL knowledge. See "Building Queries with Query Builder".
SQL Commands. Run SQL commands and anonymous PL/SQL, scripts, and saved queries. See "Using SQL Command Processor".
SQL Scripts. Use the SQL Script Repository to create, edit, view, run, and delete script files. You can also upload and download scripts from your local file system. See "Using the SQL Script Repository".
Utilities. Use SQL Workshop Utilities to import and export data from the database, generate DDL, view object reports, monitor the database, and restore dropped database objects See "Using SQL Workshop Utilities".
In the Oracle HTML DB development environment, developers log in to a shared work area called a workspace. Users are divided into two primary roles: developer and workspace administrator. Developers can create and edit applications as well as view reports. Workspace administrators use HTML DB Workspace Administration to create and edit user accounts, manage groups, manage development services.