Patch function with variable as the Datasource

[Khameda]

Hi. I am new to Powerapps

I have developed a small app which updates a sql table via an on premise gateway. Right now it is connected to a dummy table containing a small amount of data. 

I want to be able to declare the table/connection in a variable onStart so in future I would not have to go through each function to edit the DataSource. 

Original code:

If(
    CountRows(colTaskUpdates) > 0,
    Patch(DataTable,colTaskUpdates);

);
Clear(colTaskUpdates);
Refresh(DataTable)

I changed it to this thinking there would be no issues

Set(myConnection,DataTable);

If(
    CountRows(colTaskUpdates) > 0,
    Patch(myConnection,colTaskUpdates);
);
Clear(colTaskUpdates);
Refresh(myConnection)

In the Patch function with my code I get this message: "The first argument of 'Patch' should be a collection".
although the refresh function works with the variable.

Reading through the documentation I still could not find the answer to why the variable can not be passed. 

Thank you in advance

[RandyHayes]

@Khameda 

First, there is no need to issue a Refresh on your datasource.  In PowerApps, your datasource will already reflect any changes you make.  Issuing a refresh will just kill your performance.

Second, what you think is happening with the Refresh is not happening...it is not refreshing the datasource when in a variable.

Finally, you cannot use a variable as you are.  You have to specifically define the datasource.  Using variables like that is very "programmatic"  - PowerApps is not a programming platform.  It is not "code", it is just formulas like you would have in Excel (as it was designed after that).

I hope this is helpful for you.

[Khameda]

@RandyHayes 

Hi Randy. Thank you for your reply. 
I understand your reply but it does not add up for me. 

---

Finally, you cannot use a variable as you are.  

---

I tried the variable in other functions as well. This one works. 

Set(myConnection,DataTable);

SortByColumns(Search(
    myConnection,
    search_input.Text,
    "Column1",
    "Column2",
    "Column3",
    "Column4"
),"Column1")

 Also this one

CountRows(myConnection)

So in the end for me it seems like it is only for the Patch function. And I still can not find an answer to why it is like this.