17.4 Creating Lists of Values at the Application-Level

A list of values (LOV) is a static or dynamic definition used to display a specific type page item.

A LOV can be static, meaning it is based on values the user enters or dynamic, meaning it is based on a SQL query. A LOV can be referenced by page items such popup lists of values, a select list, a check box, a radio group, or multiple select lists.

By creating a list of values at the application-level, you are creating shared component. Creating a LOV as a shared component has several advantages:

• You can add it to any page within an application.

• All LOV definitions are stored in one location, making them easy to locate and update.

You define named (or shared) LOVs at the application-level by running the Create LOV Wizard and adding them to the List of Values repository.

1. Navigate to the Shared Components page:
   1. On the Workspace home page, click App Builder.
   2. Select an application.
   3. On the Application home page, click Shared Components.
      The Shared Components page appears.
2. Under Other Components, select List of Values.

   The Lists of Values page appears.

3. To create a LOV, click Create.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

   New named LOVs are added to the List of Values repository. To add the LOV to a page, you must edit the appropriate item or column and select the named LOV.

Static LOVs are based on a static list of display values and return values you specify when you run the Create LOV Wizard.

To create a static LOV, run the Create LOV Wizard and select the LOV type Static. Oracle Application Express stores the display values, return values, and sort sequence you specify in the List of Values repository. Once you add a static LOV to the repository, you can create an item and display it as a check box, radio group, select list, or popup list based on this definition.

• Editing a LOV
  
• Editing LOVs in Bulk
  

You can reference session state in an LOV by using bind variables.

Keep in mind that referencing session state makes an LOV a bit less reusable, but is still a recommended development practice. In the following example, this LOV only works if the item called my_deptno contains a valid department number.

SELECT ename, empno FROM emp WHERE deptno = :P1_DEPTNO

Access LOV reports by selecting a report on the List of Values page.

1. Navigate to the Shared Components page:
   1. On the Workspace home page, click App Builder.
   2. Select an application.
   3. On the Application home page, click Shared Components.
      The Shared Components page appears.
2. Under Other Components, select List of Values.

   By default, LOVs display as icons.

3. Select one of the following tabs at the top of the page:
   • List of Values - Displays all LOVs that are defined locally with the definition of an item. LOVs that are usable by multiple pages can be converted into shared lists of values. Converting locally defined lists of values into a shared list of values promotes reuse.
   • Edit Null Text - Edit null text for all LOVs in your application.
   • Locally Defined - View all lists of values that are defined locally with the definition of the item. Lists of values that are usable by multiple pages can be converted into shared lists of values. Converting locally defined lists of values into a shared list of values promotes reuse..
   • Grid Edit - Find and edit static list of value entries over all static lists of values. Use this page to standardize display text.
   • Conditional Entries - Displays all LOVs that display conditionally.
   • Subscription - Displays all subscribed LOVs in your application.
   • Utilization - Displays where LOVs used in the current application.
   • History - Displays displays recent modifications made to lists of values in in the current application.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.