Messages

Messages provide users with information about business or application errors or warnings.

Typically, messages inform the users about the following:

• Missing or incorrect data

• Status of an application, page, or a business object

• Status of an ongoing process

• Result of a user action

Besides notifying users about the problem, messages provide guidance to users on taking corrective action. Messages also warn users about the consequences of a certain action.

Oracle provides a set of predefined messages that are stored in a message dictionary. You can create additional messages or modify the existing ones using the Manage Messages task in the Setup and Maintenance work area.

Note: Don't delete predefined messages unless you're sure that they aren't used anywhere.

Message Dictionary

The message dictionary stores messages that the application requires at run time. Messages are predefined for specific applications and modules, but a few are common messages that can be used in any application or module.

When you create messages, use the message text and the following components to cover additional details addressing users and help desk personnel:

• User Details: A detailed explanation of the message short text meant for users.

• Administrator Details: Details of the identified problem meant for the help desk personnel. The end users don't see this text.

• Cause: An end-user version of the cause of error.

• User Action: Instructions to users for addressing the identified problem. Where there is no guidance for end users, they must approach the help desk.

• Administrator Action: Corrective action that help desk personnel must take to correct the problem. This information isn't available to the end users.