Creating cloud flows is an essential part of the Microsoft Power Platform App Maker exam (PL-100). This article will guide you through the fundamental steps to master this important aspect.
Cloud flows, part of Power Automate, allow you to automate workflows across your apps and services, getting notifications, synchronizing files, collecting data, and much more. For instance, you can create a cloud flow that sends you an email notification every time a new record is added to a database.
How to Create a Cloud Flow
The following steps will guide you on how to create a Cloud Flow:
- Navigate to Power Automate: Go to ‘https://flow.microsoft.com’ and sign in with your Microsoft 365 account.
- Choose the type of Flow to Create: Click on “+ Create”, where you have the option to select four different types of flows: Automated, Button, Scheduled, and Business Process. Here, you can select the type that suits your use case.
- Configure your Cloud Flow: Enter the appropriate details for the chosen flow type. If you selected Automated Flow, for example, you must enter the flow’s name and select a trigger from the provided list, such as “When a new email arrives”.
- Build your Flow Actions: This is where you determine what happens when trigger conditions are met. You create actions like “Send an email” or “Create a record”.
- Save and Test your Flow: Once you’ve finished configuring the cloud flow, save, and run a test to ensure it works as expected.
Here is a simple example of creating a basic automated flow:
Flow Name: ‘Received Email Notification’
Trigger: ‘When a new email arrives’
Action: ‘Send an email to notify’
Recipient: ‘example@example.com’
Subject: ‘New Email has arrived’
Different types of Cloud Flows
Depending on the needs of your application, you may want to create different types of flows. Here are some examples, with their uses:
- Automated Flows: These are triggered by an event occurrence. For instance, when a record is added or updated in a database.
- Button Flows: Triggered manually by a user click. An example could be creating a task in a project management tool.
- Scheduled Flows: These run at designated times, such as every day, week, etc.
- Business Process Flows: They guide users through various steps for completing a business process.
| Flow Type | Trigger | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Automated | Event occurrence | Sent when a new email arrives. |
| Button | User action | A task is created when a button is clicked. |
| Scheduled | Specific time or cycle | Monthly reports are generated. |
| Business Process | User progressing through steps | Progress through a sales process. |
Understanding and mastering cloud flows in Power Automate is a crucial part of passing the PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker exam. This knowledge will not only help you pass the exam but also increase your proficiency in automating tasks, thus increasing productivity and efficiency in creating robust solutions.
Practice Test
True/False: To create a cloud flow, you will need an Office 365 license.
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: A Power Automate license is required to create cloud flows, not an Office 365 license.
Which of the following triggers are available for cloud flows?
- A. Manual trigger
- B. Automated trigger
- C. Instant trigger
- D. Scheduled trigger
Answer: A, B, C, D.
Explanation: All these triggers are available for cloud flows.
True/False: Cloud flows can be exported as packages.
- True
Answer: True.
Explanation: This feature allows users to deploy flows across different environments and tenants.
What actions can be taken with data once it’s been processed by a cloud flow?
- A. Send the data to another service
- B. Store the data in a database
- C. Present the data in Power BI
- D. Drive the data to a file
Answer: A, B, C.
Explanation: Cloud flows can interact with various Microsoft Services and other platforms to manipulate and utilize data to fulfill different purposes.
True/False: A cloud flow cannot be run from an app.
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Cloud flows can be designed to run upon a trigger event within an app in Power Platform.
Which type of cloud flow is triggered manually for selected rows of data
- A. Desktop flow
- B. Business flow
- C. Button flow
- D. Solution flow
Answer: C. Button flow
Explanation: A button flow is manually triggered for selected rows of data either on-demand or on specified/determined events .
True/False: A cloud flow can only connect to Microsoft services.
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: A cloud flow in Power Automate can connect to numerous non-Microsoft services also.
How can you share your cloud flow with others?
- A. By giving them your login information
- B. By exporting and sending them the flow
- C. By adding them as co-owners
- D. By sending them a screenshot of the flow
Answer: C. By adding them as co-owners
Explanation: You can share your flow by adding others as co-owners.
True/False: It is not possible to create a cloud flow from a template.
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Power Automate provides several predefined templates that you can use to create a cloud flow.
Can you trigger a cloud flow manually?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A. Yes
Explanation: A cloud flow can be triggered manually, this type of flow is referred to as an instant flow.
True/False: You cannot create cloud flows in the Power Apps Studio.
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Cloud flows can be created in the Power Apps studio, allowing automation to be integrated directly into apps.
Is it possible to create a cloud flow within a solution in Power Apps?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A. Yes
Explanation: Cloud flows can be included within solutions, adding automation capabilities to solution-managed elements.
Which of the following is not a connector used in cloud flows?
- A. SharePoint
- B. Power BI
- C. Power Apps
- D. Power Pencil
Answer: D. Power Pencil
Explanation: Power Pencil is not a connector for cloud flows. Power Apps, Power BI, and SharePoint are connectors for cloud flows in Power Automate.
True/False: You can use cloud flows to monitor social media platforms.
- True
Answer: True.
Explanation: Cloud flows can connect to services like Twitter or Facebook, allowing you to automate tasks related to social media monitoring.
Can cloud flows be initiated based on specific conditions?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A. Yes
Explanation: Cloud flows can be set to activate under specific conditions, such as a change in data or a certain date/time.
Interview Questions
How do you initiate the process to create a cloud flow in Microsoft Power Platform?
The process to create a cloud flow is initiated by clicking on ‘Create’ from the left-hand navigation menu, then selecting ‘Cloud Flow’.
What is a cloud flow in Microsoft Power Platform?
A cloud flow automates time-consuming tasks by building logic that uses Power Automate’s dynamic content and expressions.
What types of cloud flows can be created in Microsoft Power platform?
There are three types of cloud flows you can create in Microsoft Power Platform: automated flows, button flows, and scheduled flows.
What triggers the execution of an automated cloud flow in Microsoft Power Platform?
An automated flow is triggered to execute when a specified event occurs. This could be when a record is updated, deleted, or added.
What is the purpose of a button flow in Power Automate?
A button flow can be manually triggered by an end-user directly from the Power Automate mobile app or the website.
How are scheduled flows different from other types of cloud flows in Power Automate?
Unlike automated or button flows, scheduled flows run at designated times, which can be set by the user.
Is it possible to modify an existing cloud flow in Power Automate?
Yes, it is possible to modify an existing cloud flow — users can add or change triggers, actions, and control flow elements.
What are control flow elements in a cloud flow in Power Automate?
Control flow elements in cloud flow are beneficial to create conditional statements, switch cases, handle errors, or integrate loops in flows.
How many types of actions are available when designing a cloud flow in Power Automate?
There are three types of actions available when designing a cloud flow in Power Automate: built-in actions, custom actions, and power automates’ own action.
Can a cloud flow run or activate on multiple triggers in Power Automate?
No, a cloud flow can only have one trigger. The flow starts when the condition in the trigger is satisfied.
How can you test a cloud flow in Power Automate?
You can test a cloud flow by using the Test feature in the flow designer, which allows you to run the flow using previously collected data or new data.
Can cloud flows be shared with other users in Power Automate?
Yes, cloud flows can be shared with other users. Permissions can be set for each individual, including whether they can run the flow, edit it, or even share it with others.
In which programming language is cloud flow written in Power Automate?
Cloud flows in Power Automate are designed through a visual interface and don’t require traditional programming. However, advanced users can incorporate expressions written in a language called Workflow Definition Language (WDL).
Is it possible to export and import cloud flows in Power Automate?
Yes, you can export a cloud flow as a package. This package can then be imported by yourself or another user into another environment.
Can you integrate cloud flows in Power Automate with other Microsoft services?
Yes, cloud flows in Power Automate can interact with other Microsoft services including Office 365, Dynamic 365, Azure, and more.
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