Managing Dependencies for Oracle ADF in Docker

When it comes to running Oracle Application Development Framework (ADF) applications inside Docker containers, managing dependencies is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient deployment process. In this blog post, we will explore the best practices for managing dependencies for Oracle ADF applications in Docker, including dealing with database dependencies, ADF libraries, and other external dependencies.

Understanding Oracle ADF Dependencies

Oracle ADF applications typically have dependencies on various components, such as:

• Oracle database
• ADF libraries
• Third-party libraries
• Configuration files
• Environment variables

Properly managing these dependencies is essential for the successful deployment and execution of Oracle ADF applications within Docker containers.

Using Docker Multi-Stage Builds for Oracle ADF Applications

One effective approach for managing dependencies in Docker is to leverage multi-stage builds. In the context of Oracle ADF, this approach involves using one stage to build and package the application with all its dependencies, and another stage to create a lean Docker image that contains only the necessary runtime components.

Let's take a look at an example Dockerfile for an Oracle ADF application using multi-stage builds:

# Stage 1: Build and package the application
FROM oracle/adf:12.2.1.4 as builder

WORKDIR /app
COPY . .

# Build the ADF application
RUN mvn package

# Stage 2: Create a lean runtime image
FROM oracle/weblogic:12.2.1.4

COPY --from=builder /app/target/my-adf-app.ear /u01/oracle/user_projects/applications/

# Set the necessary environment variables
ENV ORACLE_HOME=/u01/oracle
ENV DOMAIN_NAME=mydomain
ENV DOMAIN_HOME=/u01/oracle/user_projects/domains/${DOMAIN_NAME}

# Expose the necessary ports
EXPOSE 7001

# Start the WebLogic Server
CMD ["startWebLogic.sh"]

In this example, the first stage builds the ADF application using the oracle/adf:12.2.1.4 image, while the second stage creates a lean runtime image based on oracle/weblogic:12.2.1.4. The final image only contains the packaged ADF application and the required runtime components, minimizing unnecessary dependencies.

Managing Oracle Database Dependencies

Oracle ADF applications often require a connection to an Oracle database. When running ADF applications in Docker, it's essential to manage the database dependencies effectively.

One common approach is to use Docker Compose to define the database service alongside the ADF application service. This allows for easy configuration and management of the database connection within the Docker environment.

Here's an example docker-compose.yml file for running an Oracle ADF application with an Oracle database:

version: '3.7'

services:
  database:
    image: oracle/database:19.3.0-ee
    environment:
      - ORACLE_SID=ORCLCDB
      - ORACLE_PDB=ORCLPDB1

  adf-app:
    build:
      context: .
    depends_on:
      - database
    environment:
      - DB_HOST=database
      - DB_PORT=1521
      - DB_SID=ORCLCDB
      - DB_USER=myuser
      - DB_PASSWORD=mypassword

In this configuration, the ADF application service depends on the database service, and the necessary database connection information is provided via environment variables.

Dealing with ADF Libraries and External Dependencies

Oracle ADF applications rely on specific ADF runtime libraries, as well as potentially requiring third-party libraries. Managing these dependencies in the Docker environment involves ensuring that the required libraries are packaged with the application and are accessible at runtime.

One common approach is to include the necessary ADF libraries in the application EAR/WAR file and deploy them alongside the application in the Docker image.

Here's an example Dockerfile snippet for including ADF libraries in the application package:

# Stage 1: Build and package the application
FROM oracle/adf:12.2.1.4 as builder

WORKDIR /app
COPY . .

# Build the ADF application
RUN mvn package

# Stage 2: Create a lean runtime image
FROM oracle/weblogic:12.2.1.4

COPY --from=builder /app/target/my-adf-app.ear /u01/oracle/user_projects/applications/
COPY --from=builder /app/lib/adf-runtime-lib.jar /u01/oracle/user_projects/applications/

# Set the necessary environment variables
ENV ORACLE_HOME=/u01/oracle
ENV DOMAIN_NAME=mydomain
ENV DOMAIN_HOME=/u01/oracle/user_projects/domains/${DOMAIN_NAME}

In this snippet, the ADF libraries are included in the application EAR file and copied to the Docker image for runtime execution.

Bringing It All Together

Managing dependencies for Oracle ADF applications in Docker is crucial for ensuring a seamless and efficient deployment process. Leveraging Docker multi-stage builds, effectively handling Oracle database dependencies, and managing ADF libraries and external dependencies are key aspects to consider.

By following best practices and leveraging Docker's capabilities, you can ensure that your Oracle ADF applications run smoothly within Docker containers, with all dependencies effectively managed.

In conclusion, managing Oracle ADF dependencies in Docker involves a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects, from building and packaging the application to effectively dealing with database dependencies and external libraries.

Here is the official Oracle ADF documentation to learn more about the framework.

To delve deeper into Docker multi-stage builds, refer to the official Docker documentation.