radicle-it

radicle-it / rad_pdf

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Native PL/SQL library for generating PDF documents from Oracle Database 19c+.

11
4
100% credibility
Found May 28, 2026 at 11 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
PLSQL
AI Summary

RAD_PDF is a library that runs inside Oracle Database to create PDF documents. Instead of needing separate PDF software or programming languages, you write simple commands in SQL and the database generates complete, professional PDF files. It offers two approaches: a Canvas API for precise control over document layout, and a Template engine for describing documents in simple text that automatically converts to PDF. The library handles text, tables, images, fonts, and page layouts entirely within the database.

How It Works

1
💬 You hear about a better way to make PDFs

A colleague mentions that RAD_PDF lets you create PDF documents directly from your Oracle database without any extra tools or software.

2
📋 You check if it works with your database

You confirm you're running Oracle Database 19c or later, which is the only requirement to use this library.

3
🗄️ You install the library into your database

You run the installer script which automatically sets up all the PDF-making tools inside your existing Oracle database.

4
You choose how to build your document

You can either write code to draw each element exactly where you want it, or describe your document in simple text-like templates that get converted automatically.

5
📊 You add your data and content

You pull information from your database tables, write headings and paragraphs, insert images, and arrange everything into a professional report.

6
📄 You get your finished PDF

The library produces a complete, valid PDF file that you can save to a table, send to a browser, or write to a folder.

🎉 Your report is ready to share

You've created a polished PDF document entirely from inside your database, with no external dependencies or extra software needed.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is rad_pdf?

rad_pdf is a PL/SQL library that generates PDF documents entirely inside Oracle Database 19c and later. You write SQL and PL/SQL; the library produces a valid PDF BLOB that you can store in a table, stream to a browser, or write to a directory. It offers two approaches: a Canvas API for pixel-level control over positioning, and a Template Engine that renders PDFs from XML-like CLOB strings with bind variable substitution. The library handles standard PDF fonts, TrueType font embedding, image support (JPEG, PNG, GIF), tables, page templates with headers and footers, and document metadata.

Why is it gaining traction?

The main appeal is simplicity: no Java, no external binaries, no middle tier. Everything happens inside the database. For teams already living in Oracle, this removes an entire integration layer. The Template Engine is particularly interesting for applications that need dynamic, data-driven documents without redeploying code. The library also includes solid Oracle APEX integration patterns, which matters for the large APEX user base.

Who should use this?

Oracle developers building report generation, document automation, or export features directly in the database. Teams running Oracle APEX who need to generate PDFs without external services. Anyone tired of coordinating between database, application server, and separate PDF tooling.

Verdict

This is a well-documented, niche tool for a specific stack. The feature set is impressive and the APEX integration shows real thought. However, with 11 stars and an informal license (no formal open-source terms), the credibility score sits at 1.0%. Evaluate it seriously if you are on Oracle 19c+ and need in-database PDF generation, but factor in the community maturity level and license ambiguity before committing to production use.

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