Search Results fnd_descr_flex_contexts




The FND_DESCR_FLEX_CONTEXTS table is a critical component in Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.1.1 and 12.2.2, serving as the repository for Descriptive Flexfield (DFF) context definitions. Descriptive Flexfields allow organizations to extend the standard Oracle EBS data model by adding custom attributes to forms, enabling tailored data capture without modifying the underlying database structure. This table stores metadata that defines how these flexfields are structured, validated, and displayed across various applications.

Key Attributes of FND_DESCR_FLEX_CONTEXTS

The table contains several essential columns that govern DFF behavior:
  • APPLICATION_ID: Identifies the Oracle application module (e.g., GL, AP) that owns the flexfield.
  • DESCRIPTIVE_FLEXFIELD_NAME: The internal name of the flexfield structure.
  • DESCRIPTIVE_FLEX_CONTEXT_CODE: A unique identifier for each context within a flexfield.
  • DESCRIPTIVE_FLEX_CONTEXT_NAME: The end-user visible name for the context.
  • ENABLED_FLAG: Controls whether the context is active (Y/N).
  • GLOBAL_FLAG: Indicates if the context applies globally across all usages (Y) or is segment-specific (N).
  • REQUIRED_FLAG: Specifies whether the context must be populated (Y/N).

Functional Role in Oracle EBS

DFF contexts stored in this table enable:
  • Context-Sensitive Fields: Different attribute sets can be displayed based on user-selected contexts (e.g., "Project-Specific" vs "Department-Specific" fields).
  • Data Validation: Contexts may trigger validation rules or value sets for entered data.
  • Multi-Org Support Contexts can be restricted to specific operating units via the ORG_ID column.

Technical Implementation

The table works in conjunction with:
  • FND_DESCR_FLEX_COLUMN_USAGES: Maps contexts to database columns.
  • FND_DESCR_FLEX_CONTEXT_VL: View providing translated context names.
  • Flexfield Value Tables: Context-specific data is stored in application tables with ATTRIBUTE# columns.

Version-Specific Considerations

In EBS 12.2.2:
  • Enhanced support for Web ADI and FBDI integrations with DFF contexts.
  • Improved context caching mechanisms for performance.
  • Tighter integration with Oracle Fusion Middleware for context-aware web services.

Administration and Customization

Key administrative operations include:
  • Registering new contexts via Oracle Application Developer.
  • Modifying context properties through the "Define Descriptive Flexfield" form.
  • Auditing context usage via FND_FLEX_CONTEXT_USAGES.

Performance Implications

Excessive contexts (100+) may impact:
  • Form rendering times due to metadata loading.
  • Batch processing performance when validating context-sensitive rules.
  • Upgrade scripts that need to process context definitions.
This table exemplifies Oracle's flexible data architecture, allowing enterprises to adapt standard applications to unique business requirements while maintaining upgrade compatibility. Proper design of DFF contexts significantly impacts system usability, reporting capabilities, and integration workflows.