When creating apps in Microsoft Power Platform, the functionality to create and configure Dataverse Table Views can prove very beneficial. Dataverse Table Views act as a means to display, filter, sort and shape data within an app, greatly enhancing the functionality and user experience of applications. This article aims to guide you through the process of creating and configuring Dataverse Table Views as required by the PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker examination.
What is a Dataverse Table View?
A Dataverse Table View, simply put, is a specific layout for displaying records from a Dataverse table in an app. This layout can be based on either the standard default configuration or can be custom-made to fit specific needs. It provides users with a convenient way to view, sort, filter and analyze data.
Creating a Dataverse Table View
Creation of Dataverse table view involves the following steps:
- Choose your table: From the Power Apps Portal, navigate to the Data section, and select Tables. Choose the table for which you want to create a view.
- Add a view: Click on the Views tab, then ‘Add view’ to start the process of creating a new view.
- Provide a name: Name your view and click ‘Create’ to start configuring its settings.
Configuring a Dataverse Table View
Once a table view has been created, it’s crucial to configure it to meet the application’s requirements.
- Manage columns: By clicking ‘Add Column’ on the view designer, you can add columns from your table to the view. Alternatively, you can click ‘Remove’ to get rid of unwanted columns.
- Sort and filter data: Each column has a ‘Sort’ and ‘Filter’ button. You can use these to set the data in ascending or descending order, or filter out any unwanted information.
- Set column widths: Setting the column widths allows you to efficiently manage space on your screen. Simply select the column and set the width in pixels.
- Save and publish: After all the configuration, remember to save your view and then publish it. Your view is only visible in apps after it has been published.
Example: Creating a Custom View
Assuming we’re making an app to track employee productivity. We have a table called ‘Employee’, and we want to create a custom view that shows us only those employees who have made more than 50 sales in the last month.
Go to the ‘Employee’ table and click on ‘Add View’. Name the view ‘Top Employees’. In the view designer, add columns for ‘Employee Name’, ‘Sales Last Month’.
Click ‘Filter’ on the ‘Sales Last Month’ column and configure it to only show records where ‘Sales Last Month’ is greater than 50. Save and publish your view. Now, when you use this view in your app, it will only display those employees who made more than 50 sales in the last month.
Conclusion
Creating and configuring Dataverse Table Views enhances the functionality of your Power Platform applications by allowing you to customize how you present and interact with data. With the flexibility to choose which columns are displayed, sort and filter the data, and determine column width, you are in complete control of how your data appears. As such, mastering these skills will bring you one step closer to passing the PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker examination.
Practice Test
True or False: Dataverse table views are used to display data in a structured and organized way.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Dataverse table views act as windows into your data. They display data in an organized, easy-to-view manner.
True or False: System views are read-only and cannot be modified.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While system views are read-only by default, they can be modified or cloned to create new views.
True or False: The primary field in a table is automatically included in the view.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary field is always included in the view. This helps in identifying and distinguishing rows in the table.
What are the different categories of views that can be created in Dataverse? (Multi-select)
- a) System views
- b) Public views
- c) Personal views
- d) Shared views
Answer: a) System views, c) Personal views
Explanation: In Dataverse, you can create System views and Personal views. There are no views categorized as ‘Public views’ or ‘Shared views’.
True or False: A user can create a personal view without any coding.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A user can create a personal view directly from the power apps interface without the need for any coding.
What component is used to specify what data should appear in a table view?
- a) Data source
- b) Filter
- c) Column
- d) View
Answer: b) Filter
Explanation: Filters determine which records appear in a view. They set conditions based on which the data is displayed.
True or False: You can only create views for custom tables.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Views can be created for both system tables as well as custom tables in Dataverse.
True or False: You can include data from related tables in a Dataverse view.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Dataverse views allow you to include data from related tables. This allows you to display important related information within the same view.
What can you use to sort the data in a Dataverse view? (Single select)
- a) Filters
- b) Views
- c) Sort by columns
- d) System views
Answer: c) Sort by columns
Explanation: The ‘Sort by’ columns option allows you to sort the data in the view according to the specified column.
True or False: Once created, you cannot change the width of the columns in a view.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You can adjust the width of the columns in a view after its creation.
Which view type is used to configure the default view for a table?
- a) System view
- b) Personal view
- c) Default view
- d) Public view
Answer: a) System view
Explanation: System view is used to configure the default view for a table.
True or False: Personal views can be shared with other users.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Personal views can indeed be shared with other users, thus providing them with the customized view you created.
What type of tables can you create views for? (Multi-select)
- a) Standard tables
- b) Activity tables
- c) Custom tables
- d) Shared tables
Answer: a) Standard tables, b) Activity tables, c) Custom tables
Explanation: Views can be created for standard tables (system tables), activity tables and also for custom tables. There is no category as ‘Shared tables’.
True or False: You can add a view to a form.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: You can add a view to a form as a subgrid, this allows you to display related records on a form.
True or False: You can export data from a view to Excel.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The ‘Export to Excel’ functionality allows you to easily export the data from a view for further analysis.
Interview Questions
What is Dataverse in Microsoft Power Platform?
Dataverse is a built-in, low-code data platform for Microsoft Power Platform. It provides secure and cloud-based storage for your data and allows you to model and manage data used by business applications.
How can you create a new table in Microsoft Dataverse?
You can create a new table by navigating to the ‘Tables’ option under ‘Data’ in the left-side menu. Then click on ‘+ New Table’, enter the necessary information, and then click on ‘Create’.
What is a Dataverse table view in the context of Microsoft Power Platform?
A Dataverse table view is a specific presentation of any given table’s data in the Microsoft Power Platform. It can be customized as needed to filter and display only the data required for specific tasks or roles.
How can you create a custom view in a Dataverse table?
You can create a custom view by navigating to the table where you want to create the view, then select ‘View’ under ‘Table Designer’, and finally, click on ‘Add View.’
How do you configure a Dataverse table view in Power Apps?
After creating a view in a Dataverse table, you can configure it by adding the required columns, establishing appropriate filters, and defining the sorting order.
What is table designer in Dataverse for?
The Table Designer in Dataverse allows users to build and modify tables directly in Power Apps without requiring to use another platform. Its functionality includes creating and changing columns, creating relationships, and designing views.
What is the purpose of the ‘add columns’ feature in the table view of Dataverse?
The ‘add columns’ feature lets you add specific table columns to your view. You can choose which data fields to display according to your needs.
Can you change the default sort order in a Dataverse table view?
Yes, you can change the default sort order of rows in a table view by clicking on ‘Sort by column’ and then selecting the column and the sort order (Ascending or Descending).
How can you add filters to a Dataverse table view?
You can add filters to a Dataverse table view by clicking on ‘Add filter’ and then setting up the filter condition based on a specific column and value.
What is the role of ‘row filters’ in configuring Dataverse table view?
‘Row filters’ allow you to control which records are displayed in the table view. You can set up conditions based on the value in a specific column to filter the dataset shown in your table view.
What is the use of ‘Hierarchical’ view type in Dataverse?
‘Hierarchical’ view type in Dataverse is used to show the relationship of a record with other records that have a hierarchical relationship. It displays data in a tree view format.
Can you create a custom table view and make it default?
Yes, after creating a custom view you can make it the default view by selecting ‘Set as default’ in the view’s options.
How can you delete a view from a Dataverse table?
You can delete a view from a Dataverse table by selecting the view and then clicking on ‘Delete’ in the view’s options.
Can you save and publish changes made in a Dataverse table view immediately?
Yes, you can save and publish changes made in a Dataverse table view immediately by clicking on ‘Save & Publish.’
Can you share a custom view in Dataverse with other team members?
Yes, Microsoft Power Platform allows you to share a custom view created in Dataverse with other team members by setting proper permissions and access levels for the view.
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