cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
EdHansberry
Kudo Collector
Kudo Collector

Does the WITH function not return tables?

I am trying to return a table using this formula:

With(
    {
        FSL1SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL1Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL1Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        ),
        FSL2SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL2Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL2Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        ),
        FSL3SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL3Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL3Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        )
    },
    Filter('[dbo].[tblGLChartOfAccounts]', FSL1 = "A")
)

Ignore all of the variables in the WITH(). I am hardcoding a FILTER() statement to return a table where the FSL1 column = "A" in the Item property of a Data Table.

If I just put Filter('[dbo].[tblGLChartOfAccounts]', FSL1 = "A") in the items property it works fine, but within the WITH function the data table says there are no records.

2 ACCEPTED SOLUTIONS

Accepted Solutions
WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Hi @EdHansberry ,

You can probably stop looking, a I got the same result with this structure.
This returns data

WithIn.jpg

but this is valid code (no error) but no data

WithOut.jpg

I must admit I will have to have a bit of a think why this does not work, but your result is in line with the above.

 

Please click Accept as solution if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Thumbs Up.

 

 

View solution in original post

Anonymous
Not applicable

@EdHansberry 

Your formula returns data if you wrap your Filter in First(), but only one record and this isn't what you want. However, this output is inline with the docs:

 

"The With function evaluates a formula for a single record."

 

The only way I got With to return a table (ie more than one record) was to use @WarrenBelz code structure where the Record part holds the table, not the Formula part.

View solution in original post

12 REPLIES 12
WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Hi @EdHansberry ,

With() certainly can return tables - I did a fairly simple example below.

WithCollection.jpg

but that is not a table you are collecting - it is three different Variables and you refer to none of them in the Filter Statement instead to FSL1, which is nowhere in any of the With statements.

Happy to assist if you elaborate further on exactly what you are trying to achieve.

 

Please click Accept as solution if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Thumbs Up.

Hi @WarrenBelz - thanks for responding.

 

This is really odd. If I put this into the Items property of the Data Table, I get a table for all records where the FSL1 field = A:

Filter('[dbo].[tblGLChartOfAccounts]', FSL1 = "A")

But if I put in the following code, I do not. I get no records. I basically am not using the WITH() functionality here - I've hardcoded the FILTER() criteria.

With(
    {
        FSL1SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL1Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL1Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        ),
        FSL2SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL2Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL2Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        ),
        FSL3SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL3Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL3Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        )
    },
    Filter('[dbo].[tblGLChartOfAccounts]', FSL1 = "A")
)

 That is what I am troubleshooting. I tried using the following to start with and got no records:

With(
    {
        FSL1SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL1Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL1Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        ),
        FSL2SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL2Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL2Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        ),
        FSL3SelectionCode: Trim(
            Left(
                drpdnFSL3Edit.SelectedText.Value,
                Find(
                    " - ",
                    drpdnFSL3Edit.SelectedText.Value
                )
            )
        )
    },
    Filter('[dbo].[tblGLChartOfAccounts]', FSL1 = FSL1SelectionCode)
)

That is why I just hard-coded the FSL1 = "A" part. 

It seems within the WITH() function, the table is not being returned at all.

 

WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Hi @EdHansberry ,

You can probably stop looking, a I got the same result with this structure.
This returns data

WithIn.jpg

but this is valid code (no error) but no data

WithOut.jpg

I must admit I will have to have a bit of a think why this does not work, but your result is in line with the above.

 

Please click Accept as solution if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Thumbs Up.

 

 

Thanks @WarrenBelz - so either a bug, or some subtle interaction with WITH() and FILTER() that we are not seeing. I've moved my variables to labels for now and am doing it that way.

Anonymous
Not applicable

@EdHansberry @WarrenBelz 

Gents,

This is an interesting discussion. Just to add my thoughts, my understanding of With() is that is creates it's own scope at the formula level. This is confirmed by this from the docs:

 

"These named values act like simple local variables confined to the scope of the With."

 

So With()'s scope can only be accessed inside the ( ... ) and nowhere else, meaning something like a gallery/datatable cannot 'see inside' the With to access the formula. If you could put a gallery inside the With() [ pretty sure that's not possible ...] then the gallery would return data.

 

So, whatever you build inside With(), firstly gets created then 'dies' once the formula ends.

 

At least this is my understanding of With().

WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Thanks @Anonymous ,

You are absolutely correct that With() creates a (very) temporary Variable inside the statement which "dies" at the end, in fact if you look at the syntax it is the same as UpdateContext().

The "value/s" (you can have multiple) are then (or should be) available as in the syntax as below

With(
   {
      VariableName:Statement
   },
   In this place here VariableName should work
)

@EdHansberry 's was a very interesting one as the syntax produces no errors, but also no results.

 

@Anonymous - I understand the variables of WITH are only within the context of the formula, but if the value/result of the WITH is only within the formula - meaning it doesn't pass that result to the Power Apps model for use, then it is of no value.

 

Of course, it does though, as I can use WITH inside of labels and other controls when I am returning a scalar value, and @WarrenBelz returned a table earlier. However, it doesn't return any result from a FILTER() function that I have been able to see.

Anonymous
Not applicable

@EdHansberry 

Your formula returns data if you wrap your Filter in First(), but only one record and this isn't what you want. However, this output is inline with the docs:

 

"The With function evaluates a formula for a single record."

 

The only way I got With to return a table (ie more than one record) was to use @WarrenBelz code structure where the Record part holds the table, not the Formula part.

WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

@Anonymous ,

A bit strange as this is a table contained in With()

WithCollection.jpg

Helpful resources

Announcements

Exclusive LIVE Community Event: Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat with Copilot Studio Product Team

  It's time for the SECOND Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat featuring the Copilot Studio product team, which will be held LIVE on April 3, 2024 at 9:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).     This is an incredible opportunity to connect with members of the Copilot Studio product team and ask them anything about Copilot Studio. We'll share our special guests with you shortly--but we want to encourage to mark your calendars now because you will not want to miss the conversation.   This live event will give you the unique opportunity to learn more about Copilot Studio plans, where we’ll focus, and get insight into upcoming features. We’re looking forward to hearing from the community, so bring your questions!   TO GET ACCESS TO THIS EXCLUSIVE AMA: Kudo this post to reserve your spot! Reserve your spot now by kudoing this post.  Reservations will be prioritized on when your kudo for the post comes through, so don't wait! Click that "kudo button" today.   Invitations will be sent on April 2nd.Users posting Kudos after April 2nd. at 9AM PDT may not receive an invitation but will be able to view the session online after conclusion of the event. Give your "kudo" today and mark your calendars for April 3rd, 2024 at 9:30 AM PDT and join us for an engaging and informative session!

Tuesday Tip: Unlocking Community Achievements and Earning Badges

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!     THIS WEEK'S TIP: Unlocking Achievements and Earning BadgesAcross the Communities, you'll see badges on users profile that recognize and reward their engagement and contributions. These badges each signify a different achievement--and all of those achievements are available to any Community member! If you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you too can earn badges for the great work you do. Check out some details on Community badges below--and find out more in the detailed link at the end of the article!       A Diverse Range of Badges to Collect The badges you can earn in the Community cover a wide array of activities, including: Kudos Received: Acknowledges the number of times a user’s post has been appreciated with a “Kudo.”Kudos Given: Highlights the user’s generosity in recognizing others’ contributions.Topics Created: Tracks the number of discussions initiated by a user.Solutions Provided: Celebrates the instances where a user’s response is marked as the correct solution.Reply: Counts the number of times a user has engaged with community discussions.Blog Contributor: Honors those who contribute valuable content and are invited to write for the community blog.       A Community Evolving Together Badges are not only a great way to recognize outstanding contributions of our amazing Community members--they are also a way to continue fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. As you continue to share your knowledge and assist each other these badges serve as a visual representation of your valuable contributions.   Find out more about badges in these Community Support pages in each Community: All About Community Badges - Power Apps CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Automate CommunityAll About Community Badges - Copilot Studio CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Pages Community

Tuesday Tips: Powering Up Your Community Profile

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!   This Week's Tip: Power Up Your Profile!  🚀 It's where every Community member gets their start, and it's essential that you keep it updated! Your Community User Profile is how you're able to get messages, post solutions, ask questions--and as you rank up, it's where your badges will appear and how you'll be known when you start blogging in the Community Blog. Your Community User Profile is how the Community knows you--so it's essential that it works the way you need it to! From changing your username to updating contact information, this Knowledge Base Article is your best resource for powering up your profile.     Password Puzzles? No Problem! Find out how to sync your Azure AD password with your community account, ensuring a seamless sign-in. No separate passwords to remember! Job Jumps & Email Swaps Changed jobs? Got a new email? Fear not! You'll find out how to link your shiny new email to your existing community account, keeping your contributions and connections intact. Username Uncertainties Unraveled Picking the perfect username is crucial--and sometimes the original choice you signed up with doesn't fit as well as you may have thought. There's a quick way to request an update here--but remember, your username is your community identity, so choose wisely. "Need Admin Approval" Warning Window? If you see this error message while using the community, don't worry. A simple process will help you get where you need to go. If you still need assistance, find out how to contact your Community Support team. Whatever you're looking for, when it comes to your profile, the Community Account Support Knowledge Base article is your treasure trove of tips as you navigate the nuances of your Community Profile. It’s the ultimate resource for keeping your digital identity in tip-top shape while engaging with the Power Platform Community. So, dive in and power up your profile today!  💪🚀   Community Account Support | Power Apps Community Account Support | Power AutomateCommunity Account Support | Copilot Studio  Community Account Support | Power Pages

Super User of the Month | Chris Piasecki

In our 2nd installment of this new ongoing feature in the Community, we're thrilled to announce that Chris Piasecki is our Super User of the Month for March 2024. If you've been in the Community for a while, we're sure you've seen a comment or marked one of Chris' helpful tips as a solution--he's been a Super User for SEVEN consecutive seasons!       Since authoring his first reply in April 2020 to his most recent achievement organizing the Canadian Power Platform Summit this month, Chris has helped countless Community members with his insights and expertise. In addition to being a Super User, Chris is also a User Group leader, Microsoft MVP, and a featured speaker at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference. His contributions to the new SUIT program, along with his joyous personality and willingness to jump in and help so many members has made Chris a fixture in the Power Platform Community.   When Chris isn't authoring solutions or organizing events, he's actively leading Piasecki Consulting, specializing in solution architecture, integration, DevOps, and more--helping clients discover how to strategize and implement Microsoft's technology platforms. We are grateful for Chris' insightful help in the Community and look forward to even more amazing milestones as he continues to assist so many with his great tips, solutions--always with a smile and a great sense of humor.You can find Chris in the Community and on LinkedIn. Thanks for being such a SUPER user, Chris! 💪🌠

Find Out What Makes Super Users So Super

We know many of you visit the Power Platform Communities to ask questions and receive answers. But do you know that many of our best answers and solutions come from Community members who are super active, helping anyone who needs a little help getting unstuck with Business Applications products? We call these dedicated Community members Super Users because they are the real heroes in the Community, willing to jump in whenever they can to help! Maybe you've encountered them yourself and they've solved some of your biggest questions. Have you ever wondered, "Why?"We interviewed several of our Super Users to understand what drives them to help in the Community--and discover the difference it has made in their lives as well! Take a look in our gallery today: What Motivates a Super User? - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)

March User Group Update: New Groups and Upcoming Events!

  Welcome to this month’s celebration of our Community User Groups and exciting User Group events. We’re thrilled to introduce some brand-new user groups that have recently joined our vibrant community. Plus, we’ve got a lineup of engaging events you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in: New User Groups   Sacramento Power Platform GroupANZ Power Platform COE User GroupPower Platform MongoliaPower Platform User Group OmanPower Platform User Group Delta StateMid Michigan Power Platform Upcoming Events  DUG4MFG - Quarterly Meetup - Microsoft Demand PlanningDate: 19 Mar 2024 | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Dive into the world of manufacturing with a focus on Demand Planning. Learn from industry experts and share your insights. Dynamics User Group HoustonDate: 07 Mar 2024 | 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Houston, get ready for an immersive session on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Connect with fellow professionals and expand your knowledge. Reading Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group (Q1)Date: 05 Mar 2024 | 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM GMT Standard TimeDescription: Join our virtual meetup for insightful discussions, demos, and community updates. Let’s kick off Q1 with a bang! Leaders, Create Your Events!    Leaders of existing User Groups, don’t forget to create your events within the Community platform. By doing so, you’ll enable us to share them in future posts and newsletters. Let’s spread the word and make these gatherings even more impactful! Stay tuned for more updates, inspiring stories, and collaborative opportunities from and for our Community User Groups.   P.S. Have an event or success story to share? Reach out to us – we’d love to feature you!

Top Solution Authors
Top Kudoed Authors
Users online (5,997)