What is ADF?

ADF, or Oracle Application Development Framework, is a Java EE framework designed to simplify application development. As part of Oracle's suite of development tools, ADF provides infrastructure services and supports visual and declarative development, leading to an association with Oracle JDeveloper. It allows developers to create Java-based applications with less coding required, using technologies like ADF Faces and ADF Desktop Integration. The framework has versions like 12c Release 2 (12.2.1.4) and ADF Essentials, which is a free version. Resources like seminars, tutorials, and documentation for both current and older releases are readily available for learning ADF.

In another context, ADF also stands for Azure Data Factory, a managed cloud service by Microsoft designed for hybrid data integration projects. This ADF enables the creation of data-driven workflows, or pipelines, to process raw data into actionable business insights through complex ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), ELT (Extract, Load, Transform), and data integration tasks. It's a comprehensive platform offering data ingestion from various sources, complex ETL processes, and publishing the transformed data for business intelligence applications. ADF provides components like pipelines, activities, datasets, linked services, data flows, and integration runtimes to support the orchestration of data integration processes. Additionally, Azure Data Factory allows for automated and monitored workflows, supports CI/CD practices with Azure DevOps and GitHub, and integrates with Azure Monitor for pipeline monitoring.

The data handling capabilities of ADF are exemplified in the Azure Data Factory copy activity, which manages schema and data type mapping from source to sink data stores. This activity supports both default and explicit mappings to accommodate schema drift and customization needs. Advanced hierarchical data can be processed using Data Flow for transformations, and copy activity ensures compatibility between various data types with interim types and conversion features. Data Factory's latest dataset model enhances data type conversion capabilities, further demonstrating ADF's robust data processing and integration functions.

ADF Plugins for Excel

ADF Desktop Integration is an essential tool for integrating Excel workbooks with Oracle's Application Development Framework (ADF) for Fusion web applications. This add-in leverages Microsoft technologies to provide a seamless experience for Excel users who need to interact with ADF-based applications. It is designed specifically for Windows and available to both Excel users and IT administrators.

Installation of ADF Desktop Integration

To start using ADF plugins in Excel, the ADF Desktop Integration add-in must first be installed on a Windows machine. There are two types of installers: the Current User installer, which installs the add-in for the current user's Windows profile only, and the All Users installer, which installs the add-in for all users on the machine and places it in the Program Files folder. The All Users installer is particularly useful as it does not require the add-in to be installed separately for each user profile. Installation may require elevated privileges and can be performed through the command line, including a silent installation option.

Enabling and Using Designer Tools

Once the add-in is installed, the designer tools for developing workbooks are not enabled by default. To enable these tools, users can access the Developer Options and select 'Enabled'. Conversely, to disable the designer tools after they have been initially installed, one can use the installer and select 'Disabled'. These designer tools are crucial for IT administrators or developers who are responsible for creating or modifying Excel workbooks that integrate with ADF applications.

Benefits of Using ADF Plugins in Excel

The integration of ADF plugins within Excel provides several benefits. It allows end users to work with Oracle ADF-based applications while offline and to utilize the familiar and powerful user interface of Microsoft Excel. This integration significantly enhances productivity by enabling bulk entry and update of data through a spreadsheet-style interface. Additionally, users can take advantage of native Excel features like macros, calculation, validation, and styles, all while interacting with ADF applications.

Common Use Cases

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  Use case 1: Access and edit business data through integrated spreadsheets within Excel
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  Use case 2: Work on ADF application data offline and later synchronize changes with the backend
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  Use case 3: Utilize Excel as a front-end interface for ADF applications while maintaining application security and business logic
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  Use case 4: Perform batch updates and validations of user-entered data against ADF application backend

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I troubleshoot issues with the ADF plugin for Excel?

The ADF plugin for Excel provides a diagnostic report to help troubleshoot issues. You can generate this report from the About dialog in Excel, which includes details such as add-in version, Windows version, and Excel version. Additionally, the plugin has a server ping test to verify remote servlet functionality and generates both server-side and client-side log files to aid in resolving problems.

What should I do if I encounter common error messages with the ADF plugin for Excel?

Common error messages with the ADF plugin for Excel include version mismatch and issues with programmatic access to the Visual Basic Project not being trusted. To resolve these, you may need to check for version compatibility or adjust your Excel settings to trust the Visual Basic Project. Also, ensure that the Oracle ADF tab is enabled in the Excel options if it's not visible.

How can I configure logging for the ADF plugin for Excel?

To configure logging for the ADF plugin, you can use the adfdi-excel-addin.dll.config file for client-side logging, which supports levels such as Critical, Error, Warning, Information, Verbose, and Off. Server-side logging is configured in the logging.xml file. Additionally, user environment variables can be utilized to set up logging locations and levels.

What should I do if the ADF Desktop Integration add-in is not working properly?

If the ADF Desktop Integration add-in is not functioning correctly, you can use the Client Health Check tool to identify and resolve integration issues. If problems persist, uninstalling and reinstalling the add-in is a suggested solution. The add-in can be uninstalled via Microsoft Windows Settings, but note that integrated Excel workbooks cannot be used until the add-in is reinstalled.

Is sensitive information included in the ADF Desktop Integration diagnostic report?

Yes, the diagnostic report can contain sensitive information, which should be reviewed carefully before sharing.