How do I Set a value to True/false using a checkbox on a form

Introduction
Using checkboxes to set true or false values on forms is a common requirement in Oracle APEX applications. Checkboxes provide a simple way for users to indicate binary choices, such as yes/no, active/inactive, or enabled/disabled. Understanding how to capture checkbox states and store them as Boolean values in your database or application logic is essential for building effective and user-friendly forms.

 In Oracle APEX, setting a value to true or false using a checkbox on a form involves configuring the checkbox item so that when checked it stores a specific value (commonly 'Y', '1', or 'TRUE'), and when unchecked it stores another value (such as 'N', '0', or 'FALSE'). This setup lets you easily capture Boolean-type data from users through the form and save it in your database or use it in application logic.

Here’s a detailed explanation on how to do this:

Step 1: Create the Checkbox Item

• In your Oracle APEX page, add a new item of type Checkbox.

• Give it a meaningful name, e.g., P1_IS_ACTIVE.

Step 2: Configure the Checkbox Settings

• Set Display As to Checkbox.

• Define the List of Values (LOV) for the checkbox. For Boolean values, you typically set:

  • Static LOV with one entry, for example:

    Y, Yes
    

  • This means when the checkbox is checked, the value 'Y' is submitted.

• Set the Value When Checked property to 'Y' (or your preferred true value).

• Set the Value When Unchecked property to 'N' (or your preferred false value).

Step 3: Bind the Checkbox to a Database Column

• If the form is based on a table or view, ensure the page item P1_IS_ACTIVE is mapped to the corresponding Boolean or CHAR(1) column in the table, such as IS_ACTIVE.

• When the form is submitted, Oracle APEX will save 'Y' if the checkbox is checked and 'N' if unchecked.

Step 4: Handling the Checkbox in PL/SQL Processes

• When processing form data in PL/SQL, you can check the value of the checkbox item like this:

IF :P1_IS_ACTIVE = 'Y' THEN
   -- Logic for true case
ELSE
   -- Logic for false case
END IF;

• This lets you control logic based on the checkbox state.

Step 5: Displaying Checkbox Values

• When loading data into the form, set the checkbox item value to 'Y' to show it as checked, or 'N' (or null) to show it as unchecked.

• Oracle APEX automatically renders the checkbox accordingly.

Step 6: Testing

• Run your page and test the checkbox by checking and unchecking it.

• Submit the form and verify that the correct true/false value is saved to the database.

• Use debugging or logging if necessary to confirm the stored values.

Additional Tips

• For Boolean database columns of type NUMBER(1), you can use '1' and '0' as values instead of 'Y' and 'N'.

• Always be consistent with the values you use to represent true and false across your application.

• You can use checkbox groups for multiple Boolean fields but for single true/false, a single checkbox is simplest.

Setting a value to true or false using a checkbox on a form in Oracle APEX is straightforward once you configure the checkbox’s checked and unchecked values properly. This method provides a clean and intuitive way for users to input binary choices, while ensuring the data is stored consistently in your backend. Proper setup and testing help maintain data integrity and improve the overall user experience in your applications.

Step 1 – Add a checkbox and a textbox to a page

Step 2 – In the checkbox, create a dynamic action

Step 3 – set the following values

Step 4 – In the TRUE action set the following values

Step 5 _ in the FALSE action set the following values

And, your all done.

Conclusion
Setting true or false values using checkboxes in Oracle APEX enables clear and intuitive data input for binary options. By properly configuring checkboxes and handling their values in your processes, you ensure accurate data capture and streamlined user interaction. Mastering this technique contributes to building robust, responsive forms that meet real-world business needs.