HOW DO I USE A STATIC LOV IN A DROPDOWN IN ORACLE APEX

HOW DO I USE A STATIC LOV IN A DROPDOWN IN ORACLE APEX

Introduction
Dropdown lists are a common feature in Oracle APEX applications, allowing users to select a value from a list of predefined choices. One of the most efficient ways to build a dropdown list is by using a Static List of Values (Static LOV). Static LOVs are perfect when the options are limited, rarely change, and do not need to be stored in a database table. By using a Static LOV, developers can provide consistent choices to users while keeping the application lightweight and easy to maintain.

Detailed Explanation
In Oracle APEX, a dropdown list is often created using an item type called Select List. To populate this dropdown, you can either create a Static LOV directly on the item or define it once in Shared Components and reuse it across multiple items. A Static LOV is a collection of label-value pairs where the label (display value) is what the user sees and the return value is what the application processes or stores in the database.

When configuring the dropdown, you choose the Static LOV as the source of values. This ensures that users are restricted to valid options and prevents errors from invalid or inconsistent data entry. Static LOVs are best suited for scenarios like statuses, categories, or priorities where the values are controlled and stable.

Steps to Use a Static LOV in a Dropdown

1. Open your application in Application Builder.

2. Go to Shared Components and select Lists of Values.

3. Create a new LOV and choose From Scratch.

4. Set the type as Static and enter your Display Value and Return Value pairs.
   Example:
   Display Value: Pending | Return Value: P
   Display Value: Approved | Return Value: A
   Display Value: Rejected | Return Value: R

5. Save the LOV with a meaningful name, such as APPROVAL_STATUS_LOV.

6. Now open the page that contains your form or item.

7. Add or edit an item of type Select List.

8. Under the List of Values section, choose Named LOV and select APPROVAL_STATUS_LOV.

9. Save and run the page. Your dropdown will now display the static values, and when the user makes a selection, the corresponding return value will be stored or processed.

Extensive Example
Imagine you are building a task management form where each task has a priority. Create a Static LOV named TASK_PRIORITY_LOV with these values:
Display Value: Low | Return Value: 1
Display Value: Medium | Return Value: 2
Display Value: High | Return Value: 3

In the form, create a Select List item called Task Priority. Associate it with TASK_PRIORITY_LOV. When the user selects “High” from the dropdown, the value stored in the database will be 3. This makes reporting and filtering easier because you work with consistent return codes, while users see friendly labels.

Best Practices

1. Always create LOVs in Shared Components when they are reused across multiple pages. This ensures consistency and simplifies maintenance.

2. Use descriptive display values for clarity, but keep return values short and standardized for efficient storage.

3. Consider using codes for return values (like 1, 2, 3 or P, A, R) and descriptive labels for display values.

4. If the values are likely to change over time, consider switching to a Dynamic LOV sourced from a database table instead of a Static LOV.

5. Provide a default or null display value like “Select an option” to improve usability.

Example:

Add a “select one” dropdown box and attach a “Shared components” list of values

Here is how it looks on the page

Oracle APEX Documentation

For more information, refer to the official Oracle APEX documentation on Lists of Values:
https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/apex/24.2/htmdb/using-lists-of-values.html

Using a Static LOV in a dropdown is one of the simplest and most effective ways to control user input in Oracle APEX. It guarantees that users only select from valid options, ensures consistency across the application, and reduces the need for additional database tables when values are stable. By following best practices and leveraging Shared Components, you can create dropdowns that are both user-friendly and maintainable. Static LOVs provide an excellent balance between simplicity and reliability, making them a key tool in every APEX developer’s toolkit.

HOW DO I CREATE A LIST OF STATIC VALUES IN ORACLE APEX

When developing an Oracle APEX application, you will often need to provide users with a selection of predefined options. These options can be stored and managed as a List of Static Values, a feature within APEX that allows developers to define label-value pairs directly in the application metadata. This approach is useful when the values are limited, do not change frequently, and do not need to be stored in a database table. Creating a List of Static Values is a straightforward process, yet it is powerful for dropdown lists, radio groups, checkboxes, or other items where the user must select from a fixed set of choices.

Detailed Explanation
In Oracle APEX, Lists of Values (LOVs) can be either dynamic (fetched from SQL queries) or static (defined manually). A static LOV is created when you know the choices in advance and they are unlikely to change often. Each entry in the static LOV consists of two parts: a display value, which the user sees, and a return value, which is stored or processed in your application.

For example, if you are building a form where the user must select a status, you can create a static LOV that contains the display values “Open,” “In Progress,” and “Closed,” and return values such as “O,” “P,” and “C.” This ensures that users select from valid, predefined statuses without the need to maintain a lookup table in the database.

Steps to Create a List of Static Values in APEX

1. Navigate to your application in Application Builder.

2. Go to Shared Components.

3. Under the section “Other Components,” select Lists of Values.

4. Click Create and choose From Scratch.

5. Enter a meaningful name for your LOV.

6. Select the type as Static.

7. Define each entry by providing a Display Value and a Return Value.
   Example:
   Display Value: Open | Return Value: O
   Display Value: In Progress | Return Value: P
   Display Value: Closed | Return Value: C

8. Save your LOV.

9. Now you can associate this LOV with items in your application, such as a Select List, Radio Group, or Checkbox item, by choosing this LOV as the source.

Extensive Example
Suppose you are creating a form to capture the priority of a task. The priorities are Low, Medium, and High. You create a static LOV named TASK_PRIORITY_LOV. Inside it you define:
Display Value: Low | Return Value: 1
Display Value: Medium | Return Value: 2
Display Value: High | Return Value: 3

When the user interacts with a Select List item that uses this LOV, they see “Low,” “Medium,” and “High.” When they choose “High,” the database or process stores the return value “3.” This separation of display and return values makes the application easier to manage and allows you to standardize stored values.

Best Practices

1. Always use meaningful return values. Use codes such as numbers or short abbreviations if you want to keep stored data compact.

2. Keep display values user-friendly and descriptive.

3. Reuse LOVs across multiple items by creating them in Shared Components instead of defining them locally in individual items. This ensures consistency and easier maintenance.

4. If values may change frequently, consider using a dynamic LOV sourced from a database table instead of static values.

5. Provide a default display value such as “Select an option” for mandatory LOV items to guide users.

Oracle APEX Documentation
For the official Oracle APEX documentation on creating and managing Lists of Values, refer to:
https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/apex/24.2/htmdb/using-lists-of-values.html

Example

Select the create list of values option from the Shared components > List of Values link

Select build “From Scratch”

Give the LOV a name

Add the static values that you desire

Complete and VOILA!

Creating a List of Static Values in Oracle APEX is an essential skill for any developer who wants to provide users with reliable, predefined choices. It simplifies application development, improves data consistency, and reduces the need for additional database tables when the values are stable. By following best practices such as using descriptive display values and consistent return codes, you can make your applications more user-friendly and maintainable. Whether you are building simple forms or complex workflows, mastering static LOVs will enhance the usability and quality of your APEX applications.