Hello Power Apps enthusiasts!
In the ever-evolving landscape of Power Apps, we have yet another update to get excited about – the revamped interface for Dataverse tables. In this blog post, we are going to delve deep into the nuances of this update, guided by the insights shared by Shane Young in a recent video tutorial New Dataverse Table Options + Virtual Tables. So, let’s get started!
Understanding the New Interface
The Power Apps team has rolled out a new interface for Dataverse tables, introducing a range of features and functionalities that promise to enhance your experience. The update brings in a fresh perspective on creating and managing Dataverse tables, offering options to create with Copilot, from blank, using Excel, and even setting up virtual tables – a topic we haven’t explored before.
Creating Tables with Copilot
One of the standout features is the ability to create tables using words with the help of Copilot. This feature allows you to describe what you want in natural language, and Copilot helps in setting up the table for you. For instance, you can ask it to create a table to track all your Power Platform videos, specifying the columns you want, such as "type of video" with choices like "full length" or "short". The Copilot uses a large language model to understand your request and set up the table accordingly.
Utilizing Excel for Table Creation
The update also facilitates the creation of tables using Excel files. This feature analyzes your data and sets up defaults based on its understanding. However, it’s essential to review the defaults and make necessary adjustments to column names and types to suit your preferences.
Starting with a Blank Table
For those who prefer starting from scratch, the option to create a blank table is still available. This feature offers a straightforward approach where you can add columns and define properties as you go. It provides a range of column types to choose from, including the ability to set up lookups and file types.
Venturing into Virtual Tables
A notable introduction in this update is the concept of virtual tables. These tables are connected to another data source, such as SharePoint or SQL, allowing for a seamless integration of data from these platforms into your Power Apps environment. It essentially creates a Dataverse table that interacts with your chosen data source, facilitating read and write operations as supported by the data source.
Advanced Properties and Other Features
For users seeking more control over table creation, the update offers a way to set advanced properties, providing a host of options to customize your table to your liking. Moreover, the interface integrates functionalities like importing data from various sources through Power Query and exporting data to Power BI or Excel, enhancing data management capabilities.
Conclusion
The new interface for Dataverse tables in Power Apps is a significant step towards a more user-friendly and efficient data management experience. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro, this update has something to offer for everyone, making the process of creating and managing Dataverse tables simpler and more intuitive.
Remember, the world of Dataverse is vast and continuously evolving. It’s a good practice to keep experimenting with the new features and functionalities to make the most out of what Power Apps has to offer.
If you need any help with Dataverse tables, security, environments, or basically anything else Power Platform related then scroll down a bit and fill out our contact form. Someone will be happy to help you. We offer everything from 1-on-1 mentoring to full on Project work with some lovely Power Platform training thrown in for good measure.