A Complete Guide to Backup and Restore in Oracle APEX

Introduction

In the world of web application development with Oracle APEX, having a solid backup and restore strategy is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk through the available options for backing up and restoring APEX applications and share practical tips to help you protect your work.

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A Brief History of Backup Capabilities in APEX

Since version 3.2, Oracle APEX has supported exporting applications as SQL files. However, a major improvement came in version 22.1, when a built-in interface for managing backups—Utilities > Manage Backups—was introduced. This feature offers a more streamlined and centralized backup experience.

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Methods for Backing Up APEX Applications

1. Manual Export (Classic Method)

• Navigate to: Application Utilities > Export/Import

• Best suited for older APEX versions

• Outputs a downloadable .sql file containing your application’s definition

• Tip: Store exported files in Git or external backup systems for version control

2. Manage Backups (Modern Method)

• Navigate to: Utilities > Manage Backups

• Supports scheduled automatic backups

• Allows you to add descriptive notes for each backup

• Provides a central location to view and manage all backups

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Step-by-Step: Creating a Backup in APEX

1. Log in to the APEX Builder

2. Open the desired application

3. Go to Utilities > Manage Backups

4. Click Create Backup

5. Enter relevant details (title, description, etc.)

6. Confirm to create the backup

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Restoring Applications from Backup

1. Restore via Manage Backups

• Select the desired backup

• Click Restore

• Choose to restore under the same or a new Application ID

Note: If you restore using the same ID, the current version will be overwritten.

2. Restore from Exported SQL File

• Navigate to Import Application

• Upload the .sql file

• Configure target workspace, Application ID, and other settings

• Ideal when restoring from external or archived backups

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Key Tips for Managing Backups

Storage Limits: Backups are stored within your APEX environment, which may have space constraints.

Structure Only: APEX backups include only the app’s structure—pages, logic, components—not database table data.

External Backup Recommended: Always keep a copy of your exported .sql files in a secure, external location (e.g., Git, S3, MinIO).

Versioning: For critical apps, create multiple backups with clear, descriptive notes to track changes over time.

Automation: Use tools like APEXExport or REST APIs to automate backup workflows in CI/CD pipelines or administrative scripts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the APEX backup include database table data?

No, it only contains the application’s structure and logic. Use tools like Oracle Data Pump to back up actual data.

Can backups be scheduled automatically?

Yes, from version 22.1 onward, you can configure scheduled backups via Manage Backups.

If I delete the application, will the backups remain?

Yes, backups are stored independently of the main application and are not deleted unless removed manually.

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Conclusion

Proper backup management in Oracle APEX can save you from major setbacks. With newer features like Manage Backups, the process has become more efficient and user-friendly. That said, it’s always a best practice to maintain an external backup strategy with multiple layers—just in case.