In Oracle Forms, which built in routines are commonly used to find object identifiers (IDs) for items such as blocks, items, canvases, and windows?

Introduction / Context:
In Oracle Forms, each user interface component such as a block, item, canvas, or window has an internal object identifier. When writing triggers and program units, you sometimes need to refer to objects dynamically, not just by static names. To support this, Oracle Forms provides built in functions that search for objects by name and return their IDs, which can then be used with other built ins and properties. This question tests whether you can recognize the correct set of built in routines used for finding object IDs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are programming in Oracle Forms using PL SQL like triggers and program units.
• Forms objects include blocks, items, canvases, and windows.
• We sometimes need to find object IDs programmatically based on object names.
• Oracle Forms provides specific built in functions for these tasks.

Concept / Approach:
Oracle Forms includes FIND_BLOCK, FIND_ITEM, FIND_CANVAS, and FIND_WINDOW built ins, among others, to locate objects by name at runtime. These functions take the object name, typically as a character string, and return a handle or ID representing the object. That handle can then be used with other built ins such as GET_ITEM_PROPERTY or SET_ITEM_PROPERTY. The existence of these built ins allows developers to write generic, reusable code that can operate on different objects without hard coding all references. In contrast, built ins like TO_CHAR or COMMIT_FORM serve very different purposes and are not designed for finding object IDs.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the prefix FIND_ is associated with built ins that search for and return object IDs based on names. Step 2: Identify the key Forms object types: blocks, items, canvases, and windows. Step 3: Match these with built ins named FIND_BLOCK, FIND_ITEM, FIND_CANVAS, and FIND_WINDOW. Step 4: Examine the options and choose the one that lists these FIND_ built ins together. Step 5: Confirm that other built ins such as TO_CHAR, COMMIT_FORM, or MESSAGE do not perform object ID searches and therefore should not be selected.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you look at Oracle Forms documentation or recall example code, you will see patterns like DECLARE blk_id ITEM := FIND_BLOCK('EMP'); or canvas_id := FIND_CANVAS('MAIN_CANVAS'); which clearly demonstrate the intended use of these functions. These APIs directly support dynamic object identification at runtime, which confirms that they are the correct answer to a question about finding object IDs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because TO_CHAR, TO_DATE, and NVL are conversion and null handling functions, not object search routines. Option C lists COMMIT_FORM and ROLLBACK_FORM, which handle transaction control at the form level and do not return object IDs. Option D refers to RAISE_FORM_TRIGGER_FAILURE and MESSAGE, which are used for error handling and user messaging, not for locating objects. Option E is incorrect because Oracle Forms does in fact provide built ins for finding object IDs, as described above.

Common Pitfalls:
Developers new to Oracle Forms sometimes rely heavily on hard coded references and forget that dynamic object location is possible through these FIND_ built ins. Another pitfall is confusing SQL or PL SQL functions such as TO_CHAR with Forms specific built ins, even though they belong to different libraries. Understanding that FIND_BLOCK, FIND_ITEM, FIND_CANVAS, and FIND_WINDOW exist and are specifically intended to locate objects by name improves code flexibility and maintainability.

Final Answer:
The built in routines used to find object identifiers in Oracle Forms are FIND_BLOCK, FIND_ITEM, FIND_CANVAS, and FIND_WINDOW, which return IDs for blocks, items, canvases, and windows, respectively.