A block is a unit of content on a page. The app includes lots of different types of blocks with each having different characteristics and behavior.
A Block is a unit of functionality on a page. In previous versions, a block is analogous to a registered view function. In Oracle E-Business Suite terms, a block is linked to an Application Function (fnd_form_function).
The app ships with many different types of blocks that allow you to very quickly provide content on a page without writing any code. A block has:
- A Block Type, such as a Chart or News Feed. Please see Types of blocks.
- Common properties, such as a Title
- An access policy that controls who can see the block when they look at a page for a given object Id
- A Data Provider which determines what data is shown inside the block (applies to many but not all blocks)
- Block actions, such as an Add button (applies to many but not all blocks)
- Block-specific properties. For example, a News Feed block requires the name of the Feed URL
Types of blocks
Many types of blocks are available to help you build content rapidly. For example, adverts, charts, Twitter.
For details about specific types of blocks, please refer to Available block types.
Common block properties
Most blocks have the following properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | The title of the block as it shows on the page (optional). You will usually want to set a title but for some blocks, such as adverts, they may not be needed. |
| Order sequence | The order the block appears on its page |
| Linked function | The Oracle Application Function that is linked to this block |
| Object | The basis for block access control. See Block access control. |
| Grants | Grants that control access to see the block |
| Block actions | Optional block actions. See block actions. |
| Restrict devices | Hide the block on certain screen sizes or device types. You have 5 different options to select from: small, medium, and large screen sizes, and native apps, or on desktop/mobile browsers (web apps). Small, medium, and large is typically a phone, tablet, and desktop but this can vary according to a particular device's screen size and orientation. |