Microsoft Power Platform App Maker, specifically the Exam PL-100, emphasizes the importance of managing apps and workflows in a Dataverse solution environment. Dataverse is a secure and scalable data service and app platform integrated into the Power Platform. It allows us to easily structure and manage data used by business applications.
You can now add your pre-existing apps and flows into a solution in Dataverse. This means any prebuilt Canvas app, Model Driven app or Cloud flows can be packaged and redistributed via solutions. This feature can significantly simplify the management process, ensuring that you can effectively deploy existing applications and workflows.
Adding Existing Apps to a Dataverse Solution
Let’s consider the process of adding an existing app into a Dataverse solution:
- Navigate to solutions from Power Apps home and create a new solution or open an existing solution.
- Once in the solution, click “Add existing” and select the Canvas app or Model driven app from the dropdown.
- A screen will appear with a list of all the apps you’ve created. Choose the app you want to include in the solution and click “Next”.
- Review all the related assets that are associated with the app and click “Add”.
- Your app will now be added to your solution.
Adding Existing Flows to a Dataverse Solution
Likewise, you can include existing power automate flows into your solutions. Here’s how:
- Go to your solution from Power Apps home, click “Add existing” and select “Flow” from the dropdown.
- A list of all your flows will appear on the screen. Find your desired flow and click “Next”.
- You’ll get to see all the related assets that the flow depends on. Review these assets and add them.
- The selected flow will now be added to your solution.
There are many benefits that come from adding your existing apps and flows into a Dataverse solution. Doing so allows you to manage these objects’ lifecycle, from development to production, following a governed process. Additionally, you can take facilitating components such as tables, views, dashboards, and just about any other component that makes up a Power Apps or Power Automate, and transport them between environments.
Through a complete understanding and application of these strategies, candidates for the “PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker” exam can demonstrate their ability to emerge as efficient App Makers. They can effectively manage apps and workflows in a Dataverse solution environment, contributing to a more well-rounded and efficient data management system.
Practice Test
True/False: You can incorporate existing apps into a Dataverse solution.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: You can add and manage existing apps in a Dataverse solution, which functions as a container for managing changes in apps and automation over time.
The process of adding an existing app to a Dataverse solution does not require specifying the type of component. Is it true or false?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: During the process of adding an existing app to a Dataverse solution, the type of component must be specified.
In a Dataverse solution, which of the following can you add?
- A. Existing Apps
- B. Flows
- C. Datasets
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: A Dataverse solution allows you to add and manage existing apps, flows and datasets.
The Dataverse solution does not contain changes made to apps after they have been added. True or False?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A Dataverse solution does act as a container for managing changes in apps and automation over time, including changes made after they have been added.
Multiple select: Which of the following are valid types of components in a Dataverse solution?
- A. Flows
- B. Chatbots
- C. Model-driven app
- D. Canvas app
Answer: A. Flows, B. Chatbots, C. Model-driven app, D. Canvas app
Explanation: All these component types can be included in a Dataverse solution.
Single select: What is the primary function of a Dataverse solution?
- A. Store data
- B. Manage changes in apps and automation over time
- C. Monitor app performance
- D. Provide app analytics
Answer: B. Manage changes in apps and automation over time
Explanation: A Dataverse solution functions primarily as a container for managing changes in apps and automation over time.
True or False: Only new apps can be added to a Dataverse solution, not existing ones.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Both new and existing apps can be added and managed in a Dataverse solution.
All changes made in the solution’s components will automatically reflect in the Power Platform environment. Is it true or false?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: As a DevOps tool, changes made to the solution’s components will automatically be reflected within the Power Platform environment.
Multiple select: Which of the following steps are needed to add a flow to a Dataverse solution?
- A. Account creation
- B. Specifying the type of component
- C. Stating the purpose of the flow
- D. Giving the flow a unique name
Answer: B. Specifying the type of component, D. Giving the flow a unique name
Explanation: To add a flow to a Dataverse solution, you need to specify the type of component and give the flow a unique name.
Apps can be added to a Dataverse solution without specifying the schema name. True/False?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You need to specify the schema name while adding apps to the Dataverse solution.
Single select: Which platform does the PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker certification belong to?
- A. AWS
- B. Google Cloud
- C. Microsoft
- D. IBM
Answer: C. Microsoft
Explanation: The PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker certification is a part of the Microsoft platform’s certification range.
True/False: When adding a flow to a Dataverse solution, you must use the same name as the original flow.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You are not required to use the exact same name as the original flow. It can be a unique name.
Single select: A Dataverse solution is primarily used to:
- A. Create new apps
- B. Monitor app usage
- C. Manage changes in app and flows
- D. Increase the storage capacity of apps
Answer: C. Manage changes in app and flows
Explanation: A Dataverse solution’s main function is to manage changes in apps and flows over time.
True/False: Flows added to a Dataverse solution can be re-used across multiple solutions.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Once a flow is added to a Dataverse solution, it can be used across multiple solutions, enhancing reusability.
Multiple select: A Dataverse solution can hold which types of flows?
- A. Instant
- B. Scheduled
- C. Cloud
- D. Automated
Answer: A. Instant, B. Scheduled, D. Automated
Explanation: A Dataverse solution can hold any type of flows, except Cloud flows.
Interview Questions
1. What is Dataverse in Microsoft Power Platform?
Dataverse is Microsoft’s cloud-based solution that provides a secure and professionally managed database for business data which can be used to create custom apps and flows.
2. How can you add an existing app to a Dataverse solution?
You can add an existing app to a Dataverse solution by going to the “Solutions” area, opening the desired solution, clicking “Add Existing”, and then selecting “App”. From there, you can select the app you want to add.
3. What is a flow in Microsoft Power Platform?
Flow in Power Platform, now known as Power Automate, is a service that helps you create automated workflows between your favorite apps and services to synchronize files, get notifications, collect data, and more.
4. How can you add an existing flow to a Dataverse solution?
You can add an existing flow to a Dataverse solution by going to the “Solutions” area, opening the desired solution, clicking “Add Existing”, and then selecting “Flow”. From there, you can select the flow you want to add.
5. What is the purpose of adding apps and flows to a Dataverse solution?
Adding apps and flows to a Dataverse solution allows you to manage them as a group. It facilitates better organization, easier migration, and shared security roles.
6. What kind of apps can be added to a Dataverse solution?
Both canvas apps and model-driven apps can be added to a Dataverse solution.
7. Can a Dataverse solution contain multiple apps and flows?
Yes, a Dataverse solution can contain multiple apps and flows, allowing for a modular approach to application development.
8. Can you remove an app from a Dataverse solution without deleting it?
Yes, you can remove an app from a Dataverse solution without deleting it. However, if you delete a solution, all apps and flows within it will be deleted.
9. What happens if you delete a solution in Dataverse?
If a solution in Dataverse is deleted, all its components like apps, flows, tables, forms, and charts — everything that belongs to this solution, will be deleted as well.
10. Does adding an existing Flow to a Dataverse solution create a copy of that Flow?
No, adding an existing Flow to a Dataverse solution does not create a copy. It simply provides a reference to that Flow within the solution.
11. Is it possible to add a flow that is not in a solution to a Dataverse solution?
Yes, any flow in an environment can be added to a Dataverse solution, regardless of whether or not it is already in a different solution.
12. What happens when you edit a flow or an app that is part of a Dataverse solution?
When you edit a flow or an app that is part of a Dataverse solution, those changes are applied to the original flow or app, not just the instance within the solution.
13. What is a Solution Publisher in the context of Dataverse?
A Solution Publisher in Dataverse defines a grouping under which solution components are placed. Every solution has one publisher.
14. Can you import a Dataverse solution including its apps and flows into a different environment?
Yes, Dataverse solutions, along with their apps and flows, can be exported from one environment and then imported into another.
15. How can you share an app in a Dataverse solution?
You can share an app in a Dataverse solution by selecting the app within the solution to open its summary page and then clicking on the “Share” button.