cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
Anonymous
Not applicable

does SP's get items filter query support compare on date strings?

I am looking to implement a query  filter in Get Items to compare a date that is stored as strings. The information in the following URL shows how to do this but I need to convert one of terms to be in the proper format

https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Building-Flows/Filter-items-based-on-a-date-filter-query/m-p/202...

 
It seems Flow will not let the SP column name be used in function. Can someone confirm if this it true?
 
Filter Query = "TravelDate lt '@{addDays(utcNow(), -10)}'"  works but the I can not find a way to pass TravelDate into a formatDateTime function to proper compare the dates.
 
Not I am able to get this work with a FilterArray but it adds extra logic to my app. Also I am storing the date as a string to avoid known off by 1 scenarios with powerapps when working with dates.
 
Thanks.
 
1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
Anonymous
Not applicable

I just re-read that article I posted. In there a MS response stated 

"When configuring Filter Query, we can't use Expression to make any modifications to the column"

 

so I guess that's the problem. It's known limitation of the filter. 

 

I'm going to make this closed.

 

Thanks for the help. 

 

View solution in original post

15 REPLIES 15
martinav
Community Champion
Community Champion

look at converting the text date to a time first, using the expression builder.  

 

Try convertToUtc() or convertTimeZone() if you need it in a different timezone.  Both functions expect a string value for the time/date.  

Anonymous
Not applicable

formatDateTime also takes in a string. My issue is I cannot pass in the column name "TravelDate" in as a parameter. The expression editor does not like the way I am referring to "TravelDate" and if I manually enter the expression does not get evaluated and is seen as an invalid expression.

 

That URL I posted shows how a the filter can evaluate a function if it embedded in single quotes. I am thinking that the column name probably cannot be passed into a function unless someone knows the syntax to do that

 

Another approach, could be to convert the result of AddDays to a format that can work for comparisons. The problem with that approach is I am storing the data in MM/DD/YYYY format so so a srtring compare would not work properly. 

 

 

Thanks

Some require single quotes around the object.  Have you given that a try?  

 

Note how some parameters need quotes (string) and values dont.  Not sure about dates.

 

image.png

Anonymous
Not applicable

The URL you refer to is similar to the one I posted. It does not use the column name in my table as an input to function. In that example it is using 

expiry_x0020_date le 'formatDateTime(...)​'

Had my column been formatted in a  date format that is YYYY/MM/DD than I can see the comparion workin but since my sharepoint list is in "MM/DD/YYYY" format and a srtring type, I do not think the compare will evaluate propery. I thnk it comes down to how the data source (sharepoint) compare a text based string to a date. 

I'm going to try it with a couple of test dates but I suspect that unless the column type is date, the comparison will be comparing strings not dates. If I can get the strings in the same format for the filter, then the comparions should work consistently.

 

Thanks.

 

 

ScottShearer
Super User
Super User

@Anonymous 

 

I just noticed that the date is stored as a string. 

You can't operate on any of the columns in a list in an OData filter.  In other words, you can't reformat the TravelDate column as part of the OData filter.  

 

Try this as your query:

TravelDate lt 'addDays(utcNow(),-10,'yyyy-MM-dd')'

 

You should not have to reformat TravelDate.  

 

 

If I have answered your question, please mark your post as Solved.
If you like my response, please give it a Thumbs Up.

Scott
Anonymous
Not applicable

I wound up using 

"TravelDate lt '@{addDays(utcNow(), -10, 'MM\/dd\/yyyy')}'"  since using dashes resulted in no matches.

In any case, SP is doing a text compare.

- If I use MM as in the format above, the filter evaluates to "TravelDate lt '09/10/2019'"  which returns no records since expressions starts with a 0.

- If I use "addDays(utcNow(), -10, 'M\/dd\/yyyy')", it evaluates to "TravelDate lt '9/10/2019'" and retuns dates with a month starting it an 8 or less. 

 

I read somewhere that there is a 'dateTime' quailifier used on constant dates but I lost the article. I am thinking maybe that can be used on the column Name. I was hoping there was a way to pass in the column name as an expression with @ and {} syntax but it seems the flow editor either doesn't allow it or the filter doesn't allow the column name to be used in formula.

 

I will see if I can find that article that uses a non parenthesized way to express a date but I supect that won't work either. I guess I'll just need to live with "filterArray" and some overhead code if this doesn't work out. 

 

Thanks.

 

 
Anonymous
Not applicable

I just re-read that article I posted. In there a MS response stated 

"When configuring Filter Query, we can't use Expression to make any modifications to the column"

 

so I guess that's the problem. It's known limitation of the filter. 

 

I'm going to make this closed.

 

Thanks for the help. 

 

You can use formatdatetime() on expiry_x0020_date as well if it is in text form, in your case.  That will convert your text date into an object that you can pose the inequality.

 

So, for your example (I might not have all of the syntax perfect...):

 

@{formatdatetime('TravelDate','mm/dd/yyyy')} lt '@{formatdatetime(addDays(utcNow(), -10),'mm/dd/yyyy')}'

Anonymous
Not applicable

that is what I am looking for. Can you post the syntaxt I use in the get items filter field. the Flow editor either will not let me put the column name in,  or the output does not evalualte it. 

 

 

I edited my post... it might not be perfect.  But close.

Anonymous
Not applicable

I still cannot get past the runtime error for travelDate. 

 

'@{addDays(utcNow(), -10, 'MM/dd/yyyy')}' ge @{formatdatetime('TravelDate', 'MM/dd/yyyy')}

 

"....function 'formatdatetime', the value provided for date time string 'TravelDate' was not valid. The datetime string must match ISO 8601 format.'."

 

 

Oh!  if that is the case... then you can concat() with proper stuff to make it what it needs to be.  There is a way to do this.  Unfortunately, I dont know it well enough to just get it all out there at once.  google the format, and see what it is that does not follow the date format.  you can piece the text together with concat() to get it the way it needs to be.  Sorry this is so itterative.  Maybe someone else with more time doing this can get it closer sooner.  

Anonymous
Not applicable

thanks anyway. I also tried concat, it simply sees interperts the col name as string and ignores the value. 

It really looks like the editor does not like any expression that uses the column name in a formula. If I try to use it in a formula without a quote, the popup expression editor says it's invalid and if I try to paste it directly in the action, it won't paste. If I try to type it in manually, it won't save and reports a syntax error.

 

I am going with the column name can not be used in a formula unless I can find a syntax than can somehow get it passed into any formula. 

 

I guess I am going to live with using a filter array (which I use ticks()) in the comparison or I may look into changing the power app to ensure the data content in the list is in 'yyyy/MM/dd' format. If so, a direct string compare should work. 

 

Thanks for trying to help.

 

 

It is quite a wild ride trying to match all of the types, formats, and syntaxes involved.  Its odd how "easy" flow and PA are, but yet in some cases, exceedingly complex.  And quite undocumented.

 

Good luck!!

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 3, 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!

Users online (4,901)