Build simple search page in OA Framework

May 26, 2011 12 Comments

10 Votes
Here are the steps to create a simple search page in OA Framwork. I have used OAF Version 12.1.1 for this
exercise. There are many ways to do this and here I have followed one of these.
Step 1: Create a Package
All BC4J model components must belong to a Business Components (BC4J) package. So create a package with
a name like xxhci.oracle.apps.custom.LabExamples.server.

Step2: Create an Entity Object (EO)

Entity objects encapsulate business logic and DML operations for application tables.

To create a new entity object in the above defined Business Components (BC4J) package:
1. In the JDeveloper Navigator, select the BC4J package where you want to create your entity object.

2. Right click and select New Entity Object

3. Do the following steps to create an EO.
2.1 Specify a Schema Object (the exact name of the table for the entity object)

2.2 In the Attributes page (Step 2 of 5), you should see all the columns in the table that you specified in the
Name page.

Select New to create a transient attribute that is used in the business logic, such as a calculated OrderTotal in
a purchase order that is used for approval checking.
2.3 In the Attribute Settings page (Step 3 of 5), verify or set the following information for each of the entity
objects attributes:

The Attribute and Database Column Name and Type properties default correctly from the table definition. For
primary key columns, ensure that the Primary Key and Mandatory checkboxes are selected. For columns that
are never updateable, or updateable only when new, select the appropriate Updateable radio button. For columns
whose values change after database triggers execute, select the Refresh After update or insert as appropriate.
2.4 In the Java page (Step 4 of 5) page:

Check the option for generating an Entity Object Class. In the Generate Methods box, opt to generate
Accessors, a Create Method and a Remove Method.

2.5 Click on Generate default view object to create a VO. Select Finish to save your entity object definition
and implementation. BC4J will create an XML definition file and a Java implementation file for your entity
object.

Step3: Create an View Object (VO)

If you click Generate default view object tab as mentioned above, you dont have to create a VO separately. If
you forgot this, you have to create a VO. Click on the VO to test the SQL Statement generated by the EO and
check in the Expert Mode.

Step4: Create a New Application Module (AM)

To create a new application module in a Business Components (BC4J) package:
1. In the JDeveloper Navigator, select the BC4J package where you want to create your application module.
2. From the main menu, choose File > New to open the New Object Gallery.

Select the view object.

In the Java page (Step 4 of 5), deselect the Generate Java File(s) checkbox ONLY if you are certain that you
wont be writing any code for your application module (you can always delete the class later if you find that you
dont need it, so its probably best to simply generate it at this point unless you are creating a simple container
for LOV view objects).

Select Finish to create your application module. BC4J will create an XML definition and implementation file.

Step5: Create a Page (EmpSearchPG)

Create the EmpSearchPG page as follows

Right click on project New Web Tier OA Components Page

Give the Page Name as EmpSearchPG and package as xxhci.oracle.apps.custom.LabExamples.webui

Select region1 page from Structure Window and change its properties as
ID PageLayoutRN

Select the AM Definition as xxhci.oracle.apps.custom.LabExamples.server.XxhciOafTrngEmpTabAM

Give a Window Title as Employees Search Window

Give a Title as Employees

Step6: Add a Query region and Results table

Right click on PageLayoutRN New Region. Set the properties of the new region as
ID QueryRN

Select the Region Style as query and Construction Mode as resultBasedSearch.

Right click on QueryRN region on structure navigator New Region using wizard.

Select the AM and VO which we have created in earlier steps as shown in below figure.

Set the Region Style as Table

Change the Prompt and Style for all three items.

Step7: Changes the Item Properties

Go to EmpNo item and set the Search Allowed property to true. Similarly do the steps for EmpName and
Department also.

Step8: Save
all changes (Save All).
Step9: Run the Page (EmpSearchPG)
Creation of search page is complete. Run the EmpSearchPG to test the page. If everything works fine for you,
you should able to view an output like below:

Few Note:

Understanding Query Regions

When you add a query region to a pageLayout region, OA Framework automatically generates an
oracle.apps.fnd.framework.webui.beans.layout.OAQueryBean which, depending on its configuration, works in
concert with a child table, advanced table or HGrid to implement any combination of simple search, advanced
search and view panels. OA Framework automatically generates buttons as appropriate for toggling between the
applicable regions.
Construction Modes:
There are three construction modes available. In the above example we have used resultBasedSearch
construction mode. Here is a brief comparison of the three modes.
1] resultsBasedSearch:

OA Framework automatically renders both the Simple and Advanced search regions based on the
designated queryable items in the associated table.

The search regions automatically include both a Go and a Clear button.

OA Framework automatically executes the underlying search when the user selects the Go button.

2] autoCustomizationCriteria:

OA Framework automatically renders both the Simple and Advanced search regions based on the
corresponding Simple search and Advanced search regions that you define and specify as named
children of the query region.

The search regions automatically include a Go button. In addition, the Advanced search region includes
a Clear button.

OA Framework automatically executes the underlying search when the user selects the Go button.
However, developers must explicitly define mappings between items in the Search panel and items in
the table region.

3] none

The Search regions are rendered based on the Simple Search and Advanced Search regions that you
define and specify as named children of the query region.

You must implement your own Go button in this mode.

The underlying search must be executed by the developer.