Build Extension Sign-in in Oracle APEX

 Introduction

Building an extension sign-in in Oracle APEX allows you to integrate external authentication mechanisms or custom login flows into your APEX applications. This is especially useful when you want to support third-party identity providers or implement specialized security policies. Extension sign-in provides a flexible way to enhance the default APEX authentication capabilities while maintaining a seamless user experience.

How to Build Extension Sign-in in Oracle APEX

1. Understand Extension Sign-in Concept
   Extension sign-in means creating a custom authentication process that hooks into the APEX login framework but can interact with external systems or custom logic.

2. Create a Custom Authentication Scheme

   • In your APEX application, navigate to Shared Components > Authentication Schemes.

   • Click Create, then select Custom authentication scheme.

   • Define your authentication PL/SQL function that calls your external sign-in logic or verifies credentials against an external system.

3. Implement the Authentication Logic

   • Develop a PL/SQL function that validates user credentials or tokens by communicating with your external system, such as OAuth providers, REST APIs, or SAML services.

   • The function should return TRUE for successful authentication and FALSE otherwise.

4. Handle Redirects and Sessions

   • Configure post-login and post-logout redirects to integrate smoothly with the extension sign-in flow.

   • Manage user session initialization in APEX using appropriate procedures after successful external authentication.

5. Test the Extension Sign-in Process

   • Thoroughly test login scenarios, including error handling, token expiration, and logout behavior to ensure a seamless user experience.

The Builder Extension Sign-in authentication scheme in Oracle APEX allows users to log in to an Extension App without requiring a separate authentication process if they are already signed into an APEX session. This authentication scheme checks for an active APEX session and grants access based on the existing session credentials.

How Builder Extension Sign-in Works

• This authentication scheme relies on the existing APEX session to validate users.

• Users who are already logged into Oracle APEX can access the extension application without needing to re-enter credentials.

• If a valid session is not found, the user is redirected to the APEX login page.

Steps to Use Builder Extension Sign-in

1. Navigate to Authentication Schemes

• Open App Builder and select your application.

• Click Shared Components > Authentication Schemes.

2. Create a New Authentication Scheme

• Click Create to add a new authentication scheme.

• Select Based on a preconfigured scheme from the gallery.

• Choose Builder Extension Sign-in from the list of authentication schemes.

3. Configure Authentication Settings

• Set the scheme Name (e.g., "Extension App Sign-in").

• Configure Session Timeout settings to ensure session security.

• Optionally, define Post-Authentication Procedures for additional validation.

• Click Create Authentication Scheme.

4. Activate the Authentication Scheme

• Once created, the scheme is not active by default.

• Click Make Current to set it as the active authentication scheme for the application.

Use Cases for Builder Extension Sign-in

• Seamless access to custom APEX extensions without requiring users to log in again.

• Simplified user experience for APEX-based tools, dashboards, and utilities.

• Improved security by leveraging APEX session management instead of custom authentication methods.

By using the Builder Extension Sign-in authentication scheme, APEX developers can ensure a smooth and secure login experience for extension applications within their workspace.

Best Practices

• Securely handle sensitive information and tokens when integrating with external systems.

• Keep authentication logic modular and reusable across applications.

• Use HTTPS to protect all communication with external identity providers.

• Document your extension sign-in flow for maintenance and audits.

• Regularly update your integration to comply with security standards and protocols.

Oracle APEX Documentation
For more detailed guidance, visit:
https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/apex/23.2/aeapp/custom-authentication-schemes.html

Conclusion
Building an extension sign-in in Oracle APEX empowers you to incorporate external or custom authentication processes into your applications. By carefully designing and implementing a custom authentication scheme, you can provide users with secure and flexible sign-in options that meet your organization’s unique requirements. Following best practices ensures that your integration is robust, secure, and maintainable.