Setting Date Filters using PL/SQL in Oracle APEX

Introduction:

Date filters are essential for refining data in applications. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to set date filters through PL/SQL code in Oracle Application Express (APEX). We'll create a PL/SQL block that automatically populates date filters with default values when they are null.

DECLARE

BEGIN

   -- Set default start date if it's null

   IF :P560_START_DATE IS NULL THEN

      :P560_START_DATE := '01.' || TO_CHAR(SYSDATE, 'MM.YYYY');

   END IF;

   

   -- Set default end date if it's null

   IF :P560_END_DATE IS NULL THEN

      :P560_END_DATE := TO_CHAR(LAST_DAY(SYSDATE), 'DD.MM.YYYY');

   END IF;

END; 

Explanation:

• The code uses PL/SQL to handle date filtering in Oracle APEX applications.

• The placeholders :P560_START_DATE and :P560_END_DATE are used to control date filtering.

• If :P560_START_DATE is null, it's set to the first day of the current month (in the format '01.MM.YYYY').

• If :P560_END_DATE is null, it's set to the last day of the current month (in the format 'DD.MM.YYYY').

• This code ensures that the date filters have default values when they are not specified.

Usage:

• Place the provided PL/SQL code in an appropriate location in your APEX application.

• This code can be used when defining date filters in reports or forms.

• When users interact with the date filters, the code will automatically populate default values for the start and end dates if they are null.

• Adjust the date formats in the code according to your application's requirements.

Conclusion:

Setting date filters through PL/SQL in Oracle APEX provides a convenient way to ensure default values for date ranges when users haven't explicitly specified them. By utilizing this code snippet, you can enhance the user experience and streamline data filtering in your APEX applications.