OnStart does not work consistently

[Anonymous]

Hi all, 

I have played around with Powerapps recently to create an app for my company. I want my app to automatically create a UniqClient collection whenever the app is lauched. The UniqClient will contain a list of client names who have done business before. However, I do not want to have the repeated name of client as that client may have multiple projects with us. 

I have tried to put this following formula ClearCollect(UniqClient,Distinct(TableTesting_1,Clients)) into OnStart. It works but not consistently on the Edit mode. However, it doesn't work at all whenever I actually play my app.  I know the collection is created but with an empty list even though I have close/re-open the app. 

Do you know if there is solution for this issue? Any suggestion or workaround? I know OnVisible works, but I still want to create a collection as the app starts and ready to go, rather than switch between the screens to make my app work. 

Thanks, 

[Shanescows]

https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/performance-considerations-with-powerapps/

At the bottom of that article he walks through how to use a Timer Control to do what I believe you want to do. 

[Anonymous]

Hi Shane, 

Thank you for sharing an interesting tutorial. I just incorporated the timer control and "splash screen" to my app. Now my collection is created under the preview mode, but not under Edit or Play app modes. In addition, I have set the duration of timer down to 0.001 but it's not fast enough in order for the user dont see the transition from splash screen to my browsescreen.  Am I missing something ? 

[Shanescows]

I think you would want to make it so your splash screen sits there, maybe show them an animated loading, while the collection is built. Then when it is done jump to the actual work screen. 

[Anonymous]

Hi Shane, 

I actually created a "Welcome" page earlier. So it works for me in the Preview Mode but not on actual app. Do you have any idea why and how do I fix it? 

Thanks