cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
DylanEvans
Helper I
Helper I

refresh() against sharepoint doesn't update

Hi folks.  I have a powerapp with a O365 sharepoint list backend (maybe 2k records).  I am having trouble keeping it synced and accurate from sharepoint; it also has intermittent ETAG issues. 

In the onvisible of my main screen I populate a variable: 

 

Refresh('Sharepoint list');
UpdateContext({Current_Comments: Comments_DataCard1.Default});

 

Then in that screen, there is an html input control and an "add comment" button with the follow onselect code:

 

If(IsBlank(Comment_Input),Notify("No comment to post",Error),
    Refresh('Sharepoint list');
    UpdateContext({Current_Comments: Concatenate(Office365Users.MyProfile().DisplayName, " ", Text(Now(),ShortDateTime), ": ", Comment_Input.HtmlText, Current_Comments)});
Patch('Sharepoint list', ThisItem, {Comments: Current_Comments});
Reset(Comment_Input); Refresh('Sharepoint list'))

 

I also have a text box with 

 

HtmlText = Current_Comments

 

to show the full history of comments.  

Behavior: If you add a comment with the button, it will instantly update in the text box.  However, if you go to another screen and come back, the text box will revert to the previous comment value.  This confuses me: the onvisible of the main screen should re-pull the most recent, post-patched comment value and push it into the variable, which then should display.  

Waiting does not help - unless you reload the entire app, the new comment will not show up.  I can confirm that the patch successfully committed by checking the sharepoint list - the new comment value is there sometime between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.  

Using the powerapps monitor indicates that a refresh is running much less frequently than I've coded.  Maybe powerapps is cleverly choosing to ignore refreshes in an attempt to make it more performant?

I've also added error handling per this solution around the patch code because my users have reported "lost comments" .  No errors have been seen.  

How can I instruct my powerapp to actually pull the most recent comments value from the sharepoint list?  I think this may also be causing race conditions with a silent discard of the older commit, as concurrent users may be trying to comment back and forth to each other.

12 REPLIES 12
WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Hi @DylanEvans ,

Breaking this down a bit, this code

If(
   IsBlank(Comment_Input),
   Notify("No comment to post",Error),
   Refresh('Evidence Request');
   UpdateContext(
      {
         Current_Comments: 
         Concatenate(
            Office365Users.MyProfile().DisplayName, 
            " ", 
            Text(Now(),ShortDateTime),
            ": ", 
            Comment_Input.HtmlText, 
            Current_Comments
         )
     }
   );
   Patch(
      'Evidence Request', 
      ThisItem, 
      {Comments: Current_Comments}
   );
   Reset(Comment_Input); 
   Refresh('Evidence Request')
)

Sets a Context Variable Current_Comments by combining a heap of information and the updates a field in the current record in the SharePoint list 'Evidence Request'  (I assume this code is run from within a form or gallery as it refers to ThisItem) with this Variable value. It then refreshes the SharePoint list - all looks good.
Now this bit

Refresh('Sharepoint list');
UpdateContext({Current_Comments: Comments_DataCard1.Default});

Firstly, is this 'Evidence Request' you are refreshing?
The second bit however may be your issue if you simply want to see your current comments - two things here
Are you on a different screen? If so Current_Comments as a Context Variable is actually a different Variable, but more the issue is this bit Comments_DataCard1.Default. Try Comments_DataCard1.Text, however I would suggest a much simpler approach - set a Global Variable

If(
   IsBlank(Comment_Input),
   Notify("No comment to post",Error),
   Refresh('Evidence Request');
   Set(
      Current_Comments,
      Concatenate(
         Office365Users.MyProfile().DisplayName, 
         " ", 
         Text(Now(),ShortDateTime),
         ": ", 
         Comment_Input.HtmlText, 
         Current_Comments
       )
     )
   );
   Patch(
      'Evidence Request', 
      ThisItem, 
      {Comments: Current_Comments}
   );
   Reset(Comment_Input); 
   Refresh('Evidence Request')
)

then don't bother resetting it on the OnVisible - it will be available across all screens. If you don't need to see it, or need ti reset, just use

Set(Current_Comments,Blank())

at the appropriate place.

 

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.

Good questions.  All this is happening on the same main screen.  And yes, that is the same sharepoint list - I had incompletely sanitized my references when pasting in the code, and have now edited the original post so that they all match.  

The reason I'm doing this rigmarole with a patch() and context variable is because I don't want the user to set the new text that will be saved to the sharepoint.  The app should take some of their input, add context, then push it into the sharepoint list as an append of what's already there.  Per all the doc I've read, I can't seem to do that with a submitform because you can't set the value of a card through code.

 

The global variable may cause issues because this main screen is basically an item detail screen, and its value depends on the ThisItem selected.  I would need to reset it to the new ThisItem.Comment.Value every time a new item was selected from the gallery screen.  If my OnVisible refresh isn't getting processed, I'd expect to have the same problems in updating the universal comment variable.  

 

I mostly don't see why refresh isn't occurring when I ask it to happen - neither in the "Add Comment" button code or in the Onvisible code.  How do I ask Powerapps to go re-pull a sharepoint value on-demand?  

WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Thanks @DylanEvans ,

I am not sure I have my mind completely around your logic, however the key points

Patch(
   'Evidence Request', 
   ThisItem, 
   {Comments: Current_Comments}
);
Reset(Comment_Input); 
Refresh('Evidence Request')

writes your comments to the list and then refreshes it - now

UpdateContext({Current_Comments: Comments_DataCard1.Default});

Updates the Variable - with the current value from the list

One issue I mentioned before - why the Default reference? What does CommentsDataCard1.Text get for you?

 

 

 

Good summary of the logic.  

Using CommentValue.Text instead of CommentDatacard.Default yields no change: I replaced every reference, but still have the same issue: after pushing my button (logic: refresh(), updatecontext(), patch(), refresh()), the variable updates correctly, but the CommentValue.Text does not change.  

Likewise, going into another screen and coming back reverts the variable back to the value of CommentValue.Text. 

In neither the Onvisible nor button code are the refreshes working: the CommentValue.Text is not getting updated to the value in the sharepoint list.  It can't be explained by timing, either: it takes about 26 +/- 9 seconds for the new value to show up in the sharepoint list, and going out and back in 10 minutes later will not pull the new comment value.  

WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

@DylanEvans ,

Very strange what about this
First bit OK

Patch(
   'Evidence Request', 
   ThisItem, 
   {Comments: Current_Comments}
);
Reset(Comment_Input); 
Refresh('Evidence Request')

now this OnVisible

UpdateContext(
   {
      Current_Comments: 
      Lookup(
         'Evidence Request'
         ID=YourGalleryName.Selected.ID,
         Comments
      )
   }
)

You should not have to do this, but it should work.

 

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 Warren - I figured it out.  Well, the problem anyway - not the solution yet.  The problem was that everything in this screen was based on a collection, so was cached.  In the earlier screen (call it ChooseItem), I populate a collection using a filter against the backend sharepoint list.  This main screen is like an Item detail screen that shows different parts of the record and lets actions be taken on it, including commenting on it.  

I just realized/re-read that collections are a local cache of a datasource, so every time I was calling refresh(), it was against the datasource, and the collection was happily unaffected.  I had assumed that a refresh against a datasources would update associated collections as in the style of a database view or a powerbi reference.  No.  
So what I need to do is trigger an update on the collection record after (or maybe also before) each patch().  I tried the following in place of the refresh()s, 

Update(MyCollection,ThisItem,LookUp('Datasource', ID=ThisItem.ID));

but it still doesn't change the CommentValue.Text field in the screen.  I feel like I'm close, though: The second part (clearly based on your last recommendation) does work as a standalone: if I have a text box with 

HTMLText=NewTempComment.Comments

and a "Comment Refresh" button that executes: 

UpdateContext({NewTempComment: LookUp('DataSource', ID=ThisItem.ID)})

pushing the "Comment Refresh" button after adding a comment will make the new text box show the latest comment.  
Why won't the Update() refresh the current record in my collection as promised?

Aright, now I'm really confused: how exactly does Powerapps handle data between collections and datasources?  The form autogenerated in my Item Detail Screen by Powerapps has 

DataSource = [@my_data_source]

 Not 

Datasource = [@My_Collection]

even though I built it off the collection-based gallery.  Is my ItemDetail form referencing the collection or the datasource?  

 

WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Hi @DylanEvans ,

A heap of questions and you have made some correct assumptions, but headed slightly off course on others.

A collection as you correctly stated is a temporary table "cached" (your word) in the app. It is independent of the table and needs to be refreshed either by re-collecting (all the data) or updated with the same information when at the same time as the table. A lot of users update the collection and then when happy all is done, write this to the table. However to your Update - syntax below

UpdateIf(
   MyCollection,
   ThisItem,
   {
      CollectionField1:ValueToUpdate1,
      CollectionField2:ValueToUpdate2
   }
)

Your last question - you have to change the DataSource if you want it to use your collection. Power Apps has no idea what you want to use it for - that is why they are called Canvas Apps.

 

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.

 

WarrenBelz
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Hi @DylanEvans ,

Just checking if you got the result you were looking for on this thread. Happy to help further if not.

 

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.

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 (10,374)