one of the crucial elements to master is creating and configuring views. Views in Microsoft Power Platform allow you to control how data is displayed. The tool is customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the user.
Creating Views
To create a new view for an entity in Power Platform, follow the steps below:
- Navigate to your desired entity, go to its “Views” section and click on “New” to add a new view.
- This will open a new window where you can give your view a name and set up your desired configuration.
- Once you have defined the columns and sort order for your view, you can apply filters to further refine your display.
- When you have finished customizing your view, save and publish it to apply the changes.
By defining your views, you can create multiple perspectives of your data and switch between them easily, depending on your current needs.
Configuring Views
Configuring views in the Microsoft Power Platform allows you to showcase the most relevant data to your needs. A few key points to remember when configuring views include:
- Add or Remove Columns: This lets you choose which data fields appear in your view. To add or remove columns, you simply open the view’s column configuration and select the desired fields to appear in your view.
- Sorting Data: You can sort data in your view based on any field. Simply choose the desired field from the column setup, and select the order (asc/desc).
- Applying filters: Filters offer you an excellent way to display only relevant data in your view. They can be applied to any data field and can be combined for comprehensive filtering.
Power of Views
With these powerful functions, views are an integral part of the Microsoft Power Platform. Their functionality extends to:
- List Views: These are the primary means of representing data in an entity.
- Lookup Views: They facilitate the selection of one record in the context of another.
- Associated Views: These illustrate records that share a relationship with a primary record.
A breakdown of their properties and features would look something like this:
Type | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
List Views | List views display multiple records of the same type. | Displaying a list of all active contacts. |
Lookup Views | Lookup views show related records that users can choose from when creating relationships. They are opened when you click on the lookup icon. | When adding a contact to an account, a lookup view is used to select the contact. |
Associated Views | Associated views show the records that are associated via a 1:N or N:N relationship with a particular record. | When viewing a specific contact, there’s an associated view for cases, opportunities, etc. related to that contact. |
Mastering how to create and configure views in Microsoft Power Platform can streamline your data management, ensuring that you can access, sort, and analyze your data efficiently. Following these guidelines will pave the way for improved data utilization in your Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant role.
Practice Test
True or False: It is possible to create new views in Microsoft Power Platform.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft Power Platform allows users to create new views to manage and organize data in a way that suits their needs.
Which of the following is required to create a new view in Power Platform?
- A. A defined data source
- B. Filter criteria
- C. A layout design
- D. View name
Answer: A, B, C, D
Explanation: All of these elements are important when creating a new view. Without a data source, filter criteria, layout design, and view name, the created view will be ineffective.
Which of the following can be configured when creating views in Microsoft Power Platform?
- A. The type of data displayed
- B. The user interface layout
- C. The order of data display
- D. The name of the view
Answer: A, B, C, D
Explanation: When creating a view in the Microsoft Power Platform, you can configure all of these options to suit your needs.
True or False: Personal views can be shared with other users in Microsoft Power Platform.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Users have the option to share their personal views with other users or teams.
What is the purpose of creating views in Microsoft Power Platform?
- A. To make data easy to find and understand
- B. To categorize data
- C. To format and present data in a specific way
- D. To secure data
Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: The purpose of creating views is to enhance data usability and accessibility, not securing the data.
True or False: You can modify system views in Microsoft Power Platform.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Although modifying system views should be done carefully, it is possible to change them in Power Platform.
What must be considered when creating views for teams in Microsoft Power Platform?
- A. The data that the team requires
- B. The layout and design should suit team’s work
- C. The view should have a unique name
- D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: All of these options are important considerations to ensure that the view is effective and useful for the team.
Which tool in Microsoft Power Platform do you use to create complex views?
- A. FetchXML Builder
- B. Expression Editor
- C. Power Automate Flow
- D. Data Connector
Answer: A
Explanation: FetchXML Builder provides an advanced interface for defining complex queries and views.
True or False: You can export data from views to Microsoft Excel in Microsoft Power Platform.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft Power Platform supports exporting data from views to Microsoft Excel, enabling further data analysis or reporting.
What is the function of Active views in Microsoft Power Platform?
- A. To show upcoming tasks or events
- B. To display records in a specific status
- C. To update records
- D. To delete records
Answer: B
Explanation: Active views are used to display records in a certain status, often showing currently active records.
Interview Questions
What are the main components of a Power Apps view?
The main components of a Power Apps view include fields, sorting, filter criteria, and the layout design or grid where data is displayed.
How do you create a new view in Power Apps?
To create a new view in Power Apps, navigate to Data > Tables > Select a Table > Views > New view.
Can you change the layout of a default view in Power Apps?
Yes, default views can be customized in Power Apps. The sequence and width of columns, sorting and filters, and additional components can all be adjusted.
What is the purpose of filter criteria in views?
Filter criteria in views allow the user to define conditions that the data must meet to be displayed in the view. This provides a more streamlined and relevant data display for end-users.
What steps would you follow to add fields to the column in the view?
To add fields to a column in the view, select ‘Add Column’, then select the fields from the ‘Field’ dropdown list. Finally, save and publish the changes.
How do you implement sorting in views in Power Apps?
Sorting can be implemented by selecting the column heading and then choosing either ascending or descending order.
What is the use of row filters in creating views?
Row filters refine the data shown in the view. You can set a rule such as condition or operator to display only specific results.
Can you create a personal view in Power Apps and make it public afterward?
No, personal views cannot be converted to system views or made public. They are user-specific and not available to all users.
How do you delete a view in Power Apps?
To delete a view, navigate to the list of views, select the view you want to delete, and then click on the ‘Delete’ button.
What are the common types of views present in the Power Apps system?
Some common types are Advanced find views, Associated views, Lookup views, Quick find views, and Public (system) views.
Can you rename a public view in Power Apps?
Yes, you can rename a public view by selecting it, clicking Rename, entering the new name, and then saving the changes.
What is the role of the ‘Entities’ option while creating views in Power Apps?
‘Entities’ option is used to select the specific entity (like accounts or contacts) for which you want to create or manage views.
How would you create a view to display records modified in the last seven days?
You would create a view and in ‘Filter Criteria’, add a condition such as ‘Modified On Last 7 Days.’
What happens if you add a field to a form that is not included in the view?
If you add a field to a form which is not included in the view, the field would still appear on the form but it will not be displayed in the view.
Can users modify system views or default views in Power Apps?
No, system views or default views cannot be modified by end-users. They can only be modified by a Customizer or System Administrator. Users can, however, create personalized views.