I inheritted a PowerApp app, and I know that a Gallery object is populated by a table named SelectedThingies. I have been searching through the PowerApp for the past 2 hours trying to find where this table is populated. It is shocking that there is no code search feature, and this seems to be deemed acceptable. Is there a Search code capability that I'm unaware of? I'm willing to download a package and use some binary text editor if necessary. Anything.
Solved! Go to Solution.
You can find all of your definitions and uses of variables in the View->Variables section.
If you are searching for a Collection, then it falls short there. There is no "definitions and uses" yet for Collections.
However, they're usually pretty easy to trace back.
I would first look in suspect places like OnVisible for a screen. If it is defined before that, then look on the OnStart of the app.
Unfortunately, with this one shortfall of the PowerApps editor, the problem starts back at the person who built the app. If they did wild things like put timers in to populate collections or special conditions that do it, then you are going to spend some time on it.
Not that this helps you, but may help others (as not to perpetuate the sins) - As a good practice, it is ALWAYS good to have at least ONE screen in your app that has documentation and Collection definition functions.
It's easy to throw Collect statements all around, but very difficult to track them back. If you put them all on one screen, you will never have to search again.
You can find all of your definitions and uses of variables in the View->Variables section.
If you are searching for a Collection, then it falls short there. There is no "definitions and uses" yet for Collections.
However, they're usually pretty easy to trace back.
I would first look in suspect places like OnVisible for a screen. If it is defined before that, then look on the OnStart of the app.
Unfortunately, with this one shortfall of the PowerApps editor, the problem starts back at the person who built the app. If they did wild things like put timers in to populate collections or special conditions that do it, then you are going to spend some time on it.
Not that this helps you, but may help others (as not to perpetuate the sins) - As a good practice, it is ALWAYS good to have at least ONE screen in your app that has documentation and Collection definition functions.
It's easy to throw Collect statements all around, but very difficult to track them back. If you put them all on one screen, you will never have to search again.
Yes this app was the first application created by the interim developer, who is now gone. PowerApps was selected because it was thought to be 'easy' compared to a full programming language like C#, rather than it being the most appropriate tool for the job. I would consider a language with no search feature much harder.
I would have thought that the code editor having no scrollbar would be a clue that 100 lines of code would be excessive inside one onSelect command. Nevertheless, I'm not finding the object set in the onSelect command. It could be anywhere.
Actually based on that description...
The first thing to remember is that PowerApps is not code - it is formulas (just like Excel). So having a formula that stretches that long is a glaring sign of WTF...someone is not doing something right here!
Compared to C# (which I do a lot of development work in as well) it is TOTALLY different. There is a hump to get over in learning, once you do, it is incredibly easy compared to C# - and I feel pretty comfortable in VS and C#.
Yes, there are still some rough edges on the "editor" (I quote that because I don't really feel a browser is an effective editor). But, it is coming along.
The advantages of rapid app building and deployment over any device with the VAST amount of connectors and the reach through the entire "cloud" - it has a definitive edge.
For you - I am only sorry that you inherited a messy and (sounds like) poorly done App. That NEVER makes any tool fun to learn. I feel your pain!
I've been doing MVC/C# for 7+ years and a variety of other languages. I can create stuff in MVC about as fast as I can think. The issues with this environment, combined with the way these apps were made, make is pretty much unusable IMO. I can't even populate a label with text (using the proper nonintuitive method) presumably because there are other errors on the page. I'm getting some warning about database results might not read large data sets. I can't say the exact error because right now the page is stuck on "Undoing changes" as I'm typing this message. I've never been so unproductive, an entire day wasted and still no closer to finding a solution.
Same here on the coding/development side. PowerApps was a stretch for me at first. Luckily I was not inheriting something and being thrown into it, so I could take a little time to digest the basics. It was really important for the reasons I mentioned last, so I needed to take the time at it.
But, you really have to throw out the notion that it is coding and development...it is all formulas.
This is why you can't "set" a label with text. Instead the label text has to have a formula to determine what it will be.
You can't even set a variable without using a formula (either Set or UpdateContext). And since it is a canvas screen app, the concept of visible and not visible and things on top of things was a real mind blower at first.
All I can say is that coming from a development experience I quickly adapted standard practices to how things should be done to maintain the app over time. There are some good "best practices" out there if you have time to find them.
I did find for me, that if I didn't fight it and dropped the "development" concept and soaked in the formula concept, it made all the difference in the world. Plus again...didn't inherit a bad App...sorry for you on that part.
There is lots of material out there to help with the journey and this forum is an excelent source of help as well.
You can use the export function to download the App to your PC. You can then change the file extension to zip and see the files inside (mostly json). You can open these in a text editor (can't recall the file names, but there is one that contains all the formulas) and use the text editor's search functions - it is not exactly a friendly method, but might save a few hours hunting manually through all the properties of all the objects in the App.
Ok. Found it. It was in the first place I looked, but I missed it. So I thought it wasn't there while looking everywhere else. It was, in fact, in the most obvious location, the OnVisible event of the page. Yes, I am embarassed. But still, PowerApps should have search capability! Turns out, your first answer to me was correct.
Yes, there is an Entities.json file in there with all the formulas and properties and controls.
It's a definite place for searching, but very challenging to equate to "where" in the App. It's a start though if none of the other advice helps.
Keep in mind, you really should only need to do this for collections that are not well documented. Variables and other things you can get directly in the edior through the View panel.
Excellent!! Score a minor hurdle for the day!
Welcome to our September 2023 Newsletter, where we highlight the latest news, product releases, podcasts, upcoming events, and the great work of our Power Platform Community members. As usual, please make sure you follow our News & Announcements in the Community to stay up to date. Another great way to connect is to join our Power Platform Community on LinkedIn. You can join our LInkedIn community here. MPPC's Got Power - Submissions end September 28th! Are you ready to showcase your skills at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference in Las Vegas? Don't miss out on the "MPPC's Got Power" talent show, a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Whether you're a technical innovator, a talented storyteller, or have a hidden creative side, we want to see what you've got! With three categories to choose from, you have the chance to shine on stage and make your mark in the Microsoft Power Platform community. Click the GIF to sign up by Thursday 28th September to be part of an unforgettable MPPC23 experience. Now is your time to shine! Check Out the Low Code Approach Podcast Give the Low Code Approach Podcast a listen! Hosted by Sean Fiene, Wendy Haddad, and Kenric Auguillard, this innovative show shines a light on how Microsoft MVPs, product team members, and Community users are building exciting solutions using Microsoft Power Platform. Plus, with guests like Kartik Kanakasabesan, April Dunnam, Ricardo Duncan Jr., Sonja Gu, Phil Topness, Shane Young and more, this weekly show is a must for all you Business Applications enthusiasts out there. Click the image below to check it out! COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Check out the most active Community users for August 2023. These hardworking members are posting regularly, answering questions, writing blogs, giving kudos, and providing top solutions in their communities across Power Platform. Huge thanks to these amazing community members for their great contributions last month! trice602poweractivateLaurensMWarrenBelzAmikBCBuizerSamLedcreativeopinion timlExpiscornovusManishSolankiMattJimisonfernandosilvaMisterMarkPstork1saudali_25hafizsultan242Lucas001ragavanrajanp_doc UPCOMING EVENT: 365 EDUCON CHICAGO Whether you're new to Microsoft 365, Power Platform and SharePoint, or an experienced power user, admin or developer, 365 EduCon has content designed to fit your experience level and area of interest. Their workshops and sessions are taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers, MVPs, Regional Directors, and Engineers. Find out more and register here: Home - Microsoft 365 EduCon Chicago - A Microsoft 365 Conference.
Are you attending the Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023 in Las Vegas? If so, we invite you to join us for the MPPC's Got Power Talent Show! Our talent show is more than a show—it's a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Through stories, skills, and collective experiences, we come together to uplift, inspire, and revel in the magic of our community's diverse talents. This year, our talent event promises to be an unforgettable experience, echoing louder and brighter than anything you've seen before. We're casting a wider net with three captivating categories: Demo Technical Solutions: Show us your Power Platform innovations, be it apps, flows, chatbots, websites or dashboards... Storytelling: Share tales of your journey with Power Platform. Hidden Talents: Unveil your creative side—be it dancing, singing, rapping, poetry, or comedy. Let your talent shine! Got That Special Spark? A Story That Demands to Be Heard? Your moment is now! 🚀 Sign up to Showcase Your Brilliance: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp 🔥 Deadline for submissions: Thursday, Sept 28th How It Works: Submit this form to sign up: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp We'll contact you if you're selected. Get ready to be onstage! The Spotlight is Yours: Each participant has 3-5 minutes to shine, with insightful commentary from our panel of judges. We’re not just giving you a stage; we’re handing you the platform to make your mark. Be the Story We Tell: Your talents and narratives will not just entertain but inspire, serving as the bedrock for our community’s future stories and successes. Celebration, Surprises, and Connections: As the curtain falls, the excitement continues! Await surprise awards and seize the chance to mingle with industry experts, Microsoft Power Platform leaders, and community luminaries. It's not just a show; it's an opportunity to forge connections and celebrate shared successes. Event Details: 📆 Date and Time: Wed Oct 4th, 6:30-9:00PM 📍 Location: MPPC23 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, USA
The Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is a community-driven initiative that started in September 2022. It has quickly earned recognition for its enthusiastic leadership and resilience in the face of challenges. With a focus on promoting learning and networking among professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform ecosystem, the group has grown steadily and gained a reputation for its commitment to its members! The group, which had its inaugural event in January 2023 at the Microsoft UK Headquarters in Reading, has since organized three successful gatherings, including a recent social lunch. They maintain a regular schedule of four events per year, each attended by an average of 20-25 enthusiastic participants who enjoy engaging talks and, of course, pizza. The Reading User Group's presence is primarily spread through LinkedIn and Meetup, with the support of the wider community. This thriving community is managed by a dedicated team consisting of Fraser Dear, Tim Leung, and Andrew Bibby, who serves as the main point of contact for the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups. Andrew Bibby, an active figure in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, nominated this group due to his admiration for the Reading UK User Group's efforts. He emphasized their remarkable enthusiasm and success in running the group, noting that they navigated challenges such as finding venues with resilience and smiles on their faces. Despite being a relatively new group with 20-30 members, they have managed to achieve high attendance at their meetings. The group's journey began when Fraser Dear moved to the Reading area and realized the absence of a user group catering to professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform space. He reached out to Andrew, who provided valuable guidance and support, allowing the Reading User Group to officially join the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups community. One of the group's notable achievements was overcoming the challenge of finding a suitable venue. Initially, their "home" was the Microsoft UK HQ in Reading. However, due to office closures, they had to seek a new location with limited time. Fortunately, a connection with Stephanie Stacey from Microsoft led them to Reading College and its Institute of Technology. The college generously offered them event space and support, forging a mutually beneficial partnership where the group promotes the Institute and encourages its members to support the next generation of IT professionals. With the dedication of its leadership team, the Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is poised to continue growing and thriving! Their story exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive impact they can have on professional development and networking in the tech industry. As they move forward with their upcoming events and collaborations with Reading College, the group is likely to remain a valuable resource for professionals in the Reading area and beyond.
As the sun sets on the #SummerofSolutions Challenge, it's time to reflect and celebrate! The journey we embarked upon together was not just about providing answers – it was about fostering a sense of community, encouraging collaboration, and unlocking the true potential of the Power Platform tools. From the initial announcement to the final week's push, the Summer of Solutions Challenge has been a whirlwind of engagement and growth. It was a call to action for every member of our Power Platform community, urging them to contribute their expertise, engage in discussions, and elevate collective knowledge across the community as part of the low-code revolution. Reflecting on the Impact As the challenge ends, it's essential to reflect on the impact it’s had across our Power Platform communities: Community Resilience: The challenge demonstrated the resilience of our community. Despite geographical distances and diverse backgrounds, we came together to contribute, learn, and collaborate. This resilience is the cornerstone of our collective strength.Diverse Expertise: The solutions shared during the challenge underscore the incredible expertise within our community. From intricate technical insights to creative problem-solving, our members showcased their diverse skill sets, enhancing our community's depth.Shared Learning: Solutions spurred shared learning. They provided opportunities for members to grasp new concepts, expand their horizons, and uncover the Power Platform tools' untapped potential. This learning ripple effect will continue to shape our growth. Empowerment: Solutions empowered community members. They validated their knowledge, boosted their confidence, and highlighted their contributions. Each solution shared was a step towards personal and communal empowerment. We are proud and thankful as we conclude the Summer of Solutions Challenge. The challenge showed the potential of teamwork, the benefit of knowledge-sharing, and the resilience of our Power Platform community. The solutions offered by each member are more than just answers; they are the expression of our shared commitment to innovation, growth, and progress! Drum roll, Please... And now, without further ado, it's time to announce the winners who have risen above the rest in the Summer of Solutions Challenge! These are the top community users and Super Users who have not only earned recognition but have become beacons of inspiration for us all. Power Apps Community: Community User Winner: @SpongYe Super User Winner: Pending Acceptance Power Automate Community: Community User Winner: @trice602 Super User Winner: @Expiscornovus Power Virtual Agents Community: Community User Winner: Pending AcceptanceSuper User: Pending Acceptance Power Pages Community: Community User Winner: @OOlashyn Super User Winner: @ChristianAbata We are also pleased to announced two additional tickets that we are awarding to the Overall Top Solution providers in the following communities: Power Apps: @LaurensM Power Automate: @ManishSolanki Thank you for making this challenge a resounding success. Your participation has reaffirmed the strength of our community and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Let's keep the spirit of collaboration alive as we continue on this incredible journey in Power Platform together.Winners, we will see you in Vegas! Every other amazing solutions superstar, we will see you in the Community!Congratulations, everyone!
Ayonija Shatakshi, a seasoned senior consultant at Improving, Ohio, is a passionate advocate for M365, SharePoint, Power Platform, and Azure, recognizing how they synergize to deliver top-notch solutions. Recently, we asked Ayonija to share her journey as a user group leader, shedding light on her motivations and the benefits she's reaped from her community involvement. Ayonija embarked on her role as a user group leader in December 2022, driven by a desire to explore how the community leveraged various Power Platform components. When she couldn't find a suitable local group, she decided to create one herself! Speaking about the impact of the community on her professional and personal growth, Ayonija says, "It's fascinating to witness how everyone navigates the world of Power Platform, dealing with license constraints and keeping up with new features. There's so much to learn from their experiences. Her favorite aspect of being a user group leader is the opportunity to network and engage in face-to-face discussions with fellow enthusiasts, fostering deeper connections within the community. Offering advice to budding user group leaders, Ayonija emphasized the importance of communication and consistency, two pillars that sustain any successful community initiative. When asked why she encourages others to become user group leaders, Ayonija said, "Being part of a user group is one of the best ways to connect with experienced professionals in the same field and glean knowledge from them. If there isn't a local group, consider starting one; you'll soon find like-minded individuals." Her highlight from the past year as a user group leader was witnessing consistent growth within the group, a testament to the thriving community she has nurtured. Advocating for user group participation, Ayonija stated, "It's the fastest route to learning from the community, gaining insights, and staying updated on industry trends." Check out her group: Cleveland Power Platform User Group
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With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for writing Liquid expressions in your site code. Sample prompt Generate liquid code to check if user has admin role. To learn more about Liquid, visit this link. 5. FetchXML FetchXML is a feature that allows you to query data from Dataverse using XML syntax. You can use FetchXML to filter, sort, aggregate, or join data from different entities. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for writing FetchXML queries in your site code. Sample prompt Generate a fetchxml liquid query to retrieve the list of contacts who are having credit score more than 500 and are active. To learn more about FetchXML, visit this link. 6. Web API Web API is a feature that allows you to interact with Dataverse records using HTTP requests. You can use Web API to create, read, update, or delete records from different entities. 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Your feedback greatly helps improve the capabilities of this feature. How to use Copilot Install Power Platform Extension: Ensure you have the Power Platform Tools extension (version 2.0.3 or higher) installed within Visual Studio Code .Access Copilot: Download and open your Power Pages site root folder in Visual Studio Code and activate the Copilot feature from left navigation by selecting “Power Platform”.Engage in Natural Language Interaction: Describe the expected behavior of your code using natural language. Copilot will generate code snippets based on your descriptions.Insert or copy AI generated code to your site: If you are happy with the generated code, you can easily copy and paste the code snippet or insert the code to Power Pages site.Refine and Implement: Review the AI-generated code snippets, refining them as needed to match your exact requirements.Provide feedback: Select the feedback options, a thumb up (👍) if you like the response or thumb down (👎) if you didn’t like it and provide your feedback. We are looking forward to your feedback Copilot in Power Pages is designed to streamline your coding journey and amplify your creativity. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of this feature. We want to hear from you! See documentation here for a detailed overview. Full product blog here: Get coding assistance with Copilot while editing site code in Visual Studio Code desktop| Microsoft Power Page Thank you, Neeraj Nandwana