When I am building long Flows with long expressions I find I run into an issue where, when I amend an expression, clicking the Update button doesn;t save the changes. I can see this by immediately hovering over the expression block and the tooltip confirms the changes haven't saved.
This only seems to become an issue when Flows grow to a particular size (not sure what the threshold is though).
This can be very confusing when testing a change and seeing no difference. Now I always double check changes to expressions. The workaround I have found is to make my changes, copy the entire expression, delete all text in the expression and paste it back in. This has a 100% success rate (so far!)
For info, I am using Chrome.
So when you ammend the expression, do you update it with the cursor at the point where the change was made? Can you please try this: Create an expression and save. Come back and update the expression -> ensure that the cursor is at the end of the expression and then click update. Now check if you continue to face the same issue.
Hope this Helps!
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@yashag2255, unfortunately that didn't make a difference. The cursor can be at any point in the expression and it won't update. This seems to happen once several functions are nested within one another - simple expressions aren't affected,
Hi @ChrisBenJohnson ,
At present in Flow, the Expression limit is 131,072 characters, @concat(), @base64(), string can't exceed this limit. According to your description, it should not be the number of bytes you input exceeds the limit.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/flow/limits-and-config#message-size
Your issue might be because an embedded function, may be lack of a bracket when editing an expression. Sometimes the bracket are missing in expression, and the system does not prompt an error exception.
Suggesting you at the time of updating nest function, first copy of the original expression comes out, it is used to edit and backup for preventing after the update of the original expression disappear.
Please pay attention to the use of the nest function when editing, such as brackets matching. It is recommended to check the function parenthesis in VS code or other Editors.
At present, the expression input box of Flow is a little trouble when editing complex expression. It is recommended to check it in the editor.
Best Regards,
Hi @v-bacao-msft ,
Thanks for the info. My expression is definitely not that long!
When working on long, embedded functions I use a text editor to write them as I frequently get caught out by missing parentheses! I used this for this one so I know that a missing bracket isn't the cause.
In the example I used to test this, I have a concat() function nested in an if statement. To amend the function, I add an extra string to the concat() function and lick update. It isn't updated. Copy the entire amended expression, delete all expression text, and paste back in, and it works.
This tells me the amended expression is syntactically correct.
Ironically, when I tried to post this reply first time, it gave me an error and I lost the post. Wish I'd copied that first too!
Hi @ChrisBenJohnson / @v-bacao-msft
This looks like a bug. It happened a couple times with me when I update an expression (in a nested action and the expressions are bit long) it does not update the expression and the only fix I was able to find is, update the expression and place the cursor at the end of the expression and then click update. Only then it worked for me.
Hi @ChrisBenJohnson / @yashag2255 ,
I tried to reproduce the issue you said. I tried the following test case that added time on the timeline and then changed the time zone, but no similar issue was found:
convertFromUtc(addToTime(addSeconds(addMinutes(addHours(adddays(utcnow(),length(string(body('Get_items')?['value'])),'yyyy-MM-ddT00:00:00Z'),length(string(body('Get_items')?['value']))),length(string(outputs('Compose')))),length('this is a test')),11,'day'),'Pacific Standard Time')
Later, a set of unregulated expressions was tested ( purely for the purpose of using functions and without any other substantial meaning).
In addition, two expressions were added in a Compose action, and the issue came up. But then I found that the issue, in this case, does not always reappear. This is incidental, not constant.
If you don't mind, you could share your expression and see how it goes.
Best Regards,
Hi @v-bacao-msft ,
Sorry for the late reply. This issue is ongoing. It's present in Chrome and Edge.
It seems to be an issue in longer/more complex Flows only, so this makes me think it is an issue with the Flow Checker possibly?
The below example is a simple expression where I try to add int( ... ) around the existing expression but it only works on the third time.
Thanks for posting this issue! I've been suffering it also, but didn't have time to report it. Also tried both with Edge and Chrome.
The procedure I am following is to always copy the expression before clicking UPDATE, store it as Comment, verify change applied by hovering over the expression block and the tooltip confirms if changes were saved properly. This way I make the "code" also more readable, but it is hard to do it everytime... Let's hope Power Automate Team can fix it.
Also experienced this issue for some time, I have reported it in the in-editor feedback function several times.
This has been such a headache, it has now become routine for me to copy the expression after its changed, attempt to update it, and reopen the editor select all and paste my copied expression again before i click update. Then I need to confirm that the changes has been made because even this is not working all the time.
Please fix this.
I just discover that after you make changes, you click on Expression or Dynamic Content (focus outside the modified text), then click Update and it works
I've noticed this, too, and it's bugged me for quite some time (a couple of years, really.)
I find that it can happen even with flows that aren't too complex! Sometimes I think it might even be a latency thing. For example, if I want to get "Dynamic Content" to populate a function's parameters, it almost always clears what I've written so far, and I have to start over. It's gotten to the point where I always copy the formula before clicking on the "Update" or "Dynamic Content" links, because it so frequently loses my changes. I also have a strong suspicion that I have better luck if I wait for a good amount of time (5-10 seconds?) before clicking on "Dynamic Content" or "Update," as though there is a script that is parsing the GUI editor, and which sometimes takes a lot longer than others to finish! (I'm so jaded, I make up stories like that to rationalize my technology superstitions.)
BTW, I have noticed another bizarre editor phenomenon: every time I initialize a string variable as an HTML hyperlink/href to the item (to be used in an "HTML only" email message later in the workflow) it lops off the closing "</a>" at the end when I save it! EVERY SINGLE TIME! I have actually accepted that creating a hyperlink is always going to be a two-step process, where I have to go back and (re-)add the "</a>".
And don't even get me STARTED on how it always loses the second parameter of the formatDateTime function--e.g. 'dddd, MMM dd, yyyy'--the first time I create and save it (and after copying that parameter from elsewhere and pasting it, which I do to ensure it matches other formatting.)
One of my least favorite "features" of PA... highly frustrating at times. Most it's ever taken is 4 Update tries. Another observed behavior is manually typing a long string of characters, flipping to dynamic content to include a variable, only to have a good portion of what was just typed in disappear. As commented by others, you learn what to expect and have different workarounds, but it's been going on long enough that you'd think MS would have taken note and resolved it.
While we're at it, another little annoyance is cursor repositioning after inserting a variable (specifically in Approval details, but believe have observed elsewhere)... You put in a variable from DynContent, then the cursor will jump far left and up a few lines. Again, minor, and you learn to deal with it, but certainly hinders development speed.
I experience the exact same as described above, in Chrome and in Edge. I enter an expression and hit Update, and nothing changes.
This has gone on for years. Can we please get a fix for this? Or some confirmation that it's being worked on? Thanks.
I am having the exact same problem and it's driving me bananas! I change an expression, click update, only to see it has not updated. I can't figure out any pattern to when it works and when it does not. PLEASE fix this problem
I see this same behavior, repeatedly, regardless of the length of the expression. That this remains a bug within Power Automate after all of this time is extremely unfortunate.
Same issue here. I've been using Flow/Automate for years, very disappointing that this hasn't been addressed!
When will this functionality work correctly, first time?
I experice the same issue.
It is just impressive how much Microsoft promotes a solution that at best can be called to be in an early open beta state as the new standard for low code / no code solution if they are not able to fix such an essential bug.
Wow, thank you everyone for continuing to reply (seriously). I think I found a 'fix' to this some time ago actually. When I moved from a slower broadband to fibre optic, the issues went away. I still get it occasionally, and I believe it to be linked to slowness or dropouts of my WiFi. So hopefully that helps some but I'm sure it's of no consolation to others who can't change their internet speed.
Hopefully there is a better fix for this problem than to change the internet speed. This would indicate that Power Automate has fundamental system architecture flaws and it would be very risky to use it within a serious business environment.
Welcome to our November Newsletter, where we highlight the latest news, product releases, upcoming events, and the amazing work of our outstanding Community members. If you're new to the Community, please make sure to follow the latest News & Announcements and check out the Community on LinkedIn as well! It's the best way to stay up-to-date with all the news from across the Power Platform and beyond. This month's highlights:- - Our most active community members- Microsoft Power Up Program- Microsoft Community Days website - The latest blogs and more COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Check out the most active community members of the last month. These hardworking members are posting regularly, answering questions, kudos, and providing top solutions in their communities. We are so thankful for each of you--keep up the great work! If you hope to see your name here next month, just get active! FLMikePstork1Nived_NambiarWarrenBelzSprongYeManishSolankiLaurensMwskinnermlcAgniusExpiscornovuscreativeopinion KatieAUinzil2kHaressh2728hafizsultan242douicmccaughanwoLucas001domliu Power Up Program Click the image below to discover more about the amazing Microsoft Power Up Program, as Reem Omar, Abbas Godhrawala, Chahine Atallah, Ruby Ruiz Brown, Juan Francisco Sánchez Enciso, Joscelyne Andrade Arévalo, Eric G. and Paulina Pałczyńska share how non-tech professionals can successfully advance into a new career path using Microsoft #PowerPlatform. To find out more about this amazing initiative, click here to apply for the program and reboot your journey into low-code app development today! Community Days - Event Website Have you checked out the Community Days website yet? Dedicated to the volunteer community organizers around the world, Community Days is the perfect place to find an event near you or add an event for wider exposure. Many thanks to Thomas Daly, Sharon Weaver, Sedat Tum, Jonathan Weaver, Manpreet Singh, David Leveille, Jason Rivera, Mike Maadarani, Rob Windsor and the team for all their hard work. Anyone can host a Community Day on any topic relevant to our industry, just click the image below to find out more. EVENT NEWS Power Platform French Summit - Paris/Virtual - 6-7th Dec It's not long now until the Power Platform French Summit, which takes place both virtually and in-person at the Microsoft France conference center in Paris on 6-7th December 2023. If you can't make it in-person, all sessions will also be broadcast on virtual networks for better distribution and accessibility. There's a fantastic array of speakers, including Jérémy LAPLAINE, Amira Beldjilali, Rémi Chambard, Erika Beaumier, Makenson Frena, Assia Boutera, Elliott Pierret, Clothilde Facon, Gilles Pommier, Marie Aubert, Antoine Herbosa, Chloé Moreau, Raphaël Senis, Rym Ben Hamida, Loïc Cimon, Joséphine Salafia, David Zoonekyndt, Aïcha Charpentier, Henry Jammes, Milene Rochard, Mehdi EL YASSIR, and many more. Click the image below for more information. LATEST COMMUNITY BLOG ARTICLES Power Apps Community Blog Power Automate Community Blog Copilot Community Blog Power Pages Community Blog
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This is the ninth post in our series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! Today's Tip: All About the Galleries Have you checked out the library of content in our galleries? Whether you're looking for the latest info on an upcoming event, a helpful webinar, or tips and tricks from some of our most experienced community members, our galleries are full of the latest and greatest video content for the Power Platform communities. There are several different galleries in each community, but we recommend checking these out first: Community Connections & How-To Videos Hosted by members of the Power Platform Community Engagement Team and featuring community members from around the world, these helpful videos are a great way to "kick the tires" of Power Platform and find out more about your fellow community members! Check them out in Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Copilot Studio! Webinars & Video Gallery Each community has its own unique webinars and videos highlighting some of the great work being done across the Power Platform. Watch tutorials and demos by Microsoft staff, partners, and community gurus! Check them out: Power Apps Webinars & Video Gallery Power Automate Webinars & Video Gallery Power Pages Webinars & Video Gallery Copilot Studio Webinars & Video Gallery Events Whether it's the excitement of the Microsoft Power Platform Conference, a local event near you, or one of the many other in-person and virtual connection opportunities around the world, this is the place to find out more about all the Power Platform-centered events. Power Apps Events Power Automate Events Power Pages Events Copilot Studio Events Unique Galleries to Each Community Because each area of Power Platform has its own unique features and benefits, there are areas of the galleries dedicated specifically to videos about that product. Whether it's Power Apps samples from the community or the Power Automate Cookbook highlighting unique flows, the Bot Sharing Gallery in Copilot Studio or Front-End Code Samples in Power Pages, there's a gallery for you! Check out each community's gallery today! Power Apps Gallery Power Automate Gallery Power Pages Gallery Copilot Studio Gallery
In the bustling world of technology, two dynamic leaders, Geetha Sivasailam and Ben McMann, have been at the forefront, steering the ship of the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group since its inception in February 2019. As Practice Lead (Power Platform | Fusion Dev) at Lantern, Geetha brings a wealth of consulting experience, while Ben, a key member of the Studio Leadership team at Lantern, specializes in crafting strategies that leverage Microsoft digital technologies to transform business models. Empowering Through Community Leadership Geetha and Ben's journey as user group leaders began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create a space where individuals across the DFW area could connect, grow their skills, and add value to their businesses through the Power Platform. The platform, known for its versatility, allows users to achieve more with less code and foster creativity. The Power of Community Impact Reflecting on their experiences, Geetha and Ben emphasize the profound impact that community engagement has had on both their professional and personal lives. The Power Platform community, they note, is a wellspring of resources and opportunities, fostering continuous learning, skill enhancement, and networking with industry experts and peers. Favorite Moments and Words of Wisdom The duo's favorite aspect of leading the user group lies in witnessing the transformative projects and innovations community members create with the Power Platform. Their advice to aspiring user group leaders? "Encourage diverse perspectives, maintain an open space for idea-sharing, stay curious, and, most importantly, have fun building a vibrant community." Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers Geetha and Ben encourage others to step into the realm of user group leadership, citing the rewarding experience of creating and nurturing a community of like-minded individuals. They highlight the chance to influence, impact, and positively guide others, fostering connections that extend beyond mere technology discussions. Joining a User Group: A Gateway to Growth The leaders stress the importance of joining a user group, emphasizing exposure to diverse perspectives, solutions, and career growth opportunities within the Power Platform community. "Being part of such a group provides a supportive environment for seeking advice, sharing experiences, and navigating challenges." A Year of Milestones Looking back at the past year, Geetha and Ben express pride in the group's growth and global participation. They recount the enriching experience of meeting members in person at the Microsoft Power Platform conference, showcasing the diverse range of perspectives and guest speakers that enriched the community's overall experience. Continuous Learning on the Leadership Journey As user group leaders, Geetha and Ben recognize the continuous learning curve, blending interpersonal skills, adaptability, and dedication to foster a vibrant community. They highlight the importance of patience, persistence, and flexibility in achieving group goals, noting the significance of listening to the needs and suggestions of group members.They invite all tech enthusiasts to join the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group, a thriving hub where the power of community propels individuals to new heights in the dynamic realm of technology.
Are you attending Microsoft Ignite in Seattle this week? If so, we'd love to see you at the Community Lounge! Hosted by members of our Community team, it's a great place to connect, meet some Microsoft executives, and get a sticker or two. And if you're an MVP there are some special opportunities to meet up! The Community Lounge is more than just a space—it's a hub of activity, collaboration, and camaraderie. So, dive in, explore, and make the most of your Microsoft Ignite experience by immersing yourself in the vibrant and dynamic community that awaits you.Find out the schedule and all the details here: Community Lounge at Ignite! See you at #MSIgnite!
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