Validate User inputs on the go using Groovy Expressions
It is often required to validate values input by users, especially while capturing details such as National Identifiers/Contact Info/Previous Employment Dates where a validation needs to take place to ensure the correctness of the details entered.
Oracle HCM Cloud offers an effective functionality to validate flexfield entries through Validators and throw appropriate error messages in case of incorrect entries. The validations are performed via Groovy Expressions, a scripting language.
Let’s explore User input validation using Groovy Expression, in this blog.
What is Groovy Expression?
Groovy is a multi-purpose scripting language that operates on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and can be predominantly perceived as an expansion of Java, encompassing additional functionality and features.
Why we’re using Groovy Expression?
Groovy is specifically crafted to enhance productivity and efficiency on the Java platform, offering a more streamlined and enjoyable approach. It incorporates the dynamic and expressive nature of Python and Ruby while operating seamlessly within the Java Platform. Groovy scripts have the flexibility to utilize any Java classes and can be compiled into Java bytecode, represented by .class files, enabling seamless invocation from regular Java classes.
Key Features Groovy Expression:
- Multiple built-in ready-to-use functions
- Validate your expression on the go
- Use regular expressions for pattern-matching validation
Configuration Steps to Enable Groovy Expressions in Oracle Fusion
To illustrate the use of Groovy Expressions in Validators, let us take the example of validating a PAN / Aadhaar Number entry by users in a Checklist Task, during their Onboarding phase.
Step 1: Open Manage Descriptive Flexfields in Setup and Maintenance.
Step 2: Search the required Descriptive Flexfield that contains the field to be validated.
Step 3: Navigate to the required context through Manage Contexts.
Step 4: Under Validators, click the Add button (+).
Step 5: Enter a unique code for your Validator and click on the Groovy Expression Builder button under Validator Expression.
Step 6: Groovy Expression Builder opens where the expression palette can be used to insert built-in Functions/Fields/Keywords/Web Services into your expression.
Step 7: Enter the validation expression. Here, to validate PAN entry, the regular expression has been used to match the pattern of the user’s input to the standard pattern of a PAN ID.
Step 8: Validate your expression as shown below to avoid mistakes.
Step 9: Once successfully validated, click OK and continue to deploy the flexfield.
Step 10: Test the validation in real time.
Checklist Task was completed successfully by the user on entering a valid PAN and Aadhaar Number.
Business Benefits of Groovy Expression in Oracle Fusion:
Groovy, a dynamic scripting language, offers several significant advantages when utilized in Oracle Fusion applications. The incorporation of Groovy expressions brings numerous business benefits, enhancing the functionality and customizability of the system. Below are key advantages that underscore the value of Groovy expression in the Oracle Fusion environment:
- Validate any kind of user input
- Reduce incorrect user entries
- User-friendly guidance to enter correct data
Where you will use Groovy in your application?
In various contexts, Groovy scripts can be applied for the customization of existing objects or the creation of new custom objects within your application.
For concise scripting purposes, you can employ Groovy scripts to:
- Calculate the value of a custom formula field
- Determine the default value for a custom field
- Enable conditional updates for a custom field
- Establish conditional requirements for a custom field
- Define conditions for executing an object workflow
In scenarios requiring more extensive scripting, Groovy can be used to:
- Implement field-level validation rules
- Implement object-level validation rules
- Create triggers to complement default processing
- Develop utility code within a global function
- Establish reusable behavior within an object function
Bottom Line:
In conclusion, Groovy expressions in Oracle Fusion offer a wealth of business benefits, empowering organizations to create adaptable, efficient, and user-friendly applications. Leveraging Groovy’s capabilities, businesses can achieve a competitive edge by tailoring their Oracle Fusion systems to align seamlessly with their unique operational needs and strategic goals.
Author: Mithila Sriram, Oracle HCM Cloud Team