Developing solutions using the Microsoft Power Platform is a main objective of the PL-400 exam. More specifically, the configuration and creation of a canvas app or a custom page is a major focus. Being able to implement this feature proficiently can set the grounds for successful exam results. Here, we will focus on the necessary steps to create and configure a canvas app or a custom page, with examples included for further clarification.
Creating and Configuring a Canvas App
A Canvas app provides developers with a blank slate to design their app optimally. It allows developers to use an intuitive, drag-and-drop designer while having the ability to create multiple screens and import data from numerous sources. Here’s an overview of how to create a Canvas app in Power Apps:
- Sign in to Power Apps.
- From the home page, click on “Create”, and then select “Canvas app from blank”.
- Name your app, select a format (either Tablet or Phone), and then click on “Create”.
Now that your app has been created, you can add controls (like text fields, buttons, and galleries), media (like images and videos), forms, data tables, and screens.
To configure your Canvas App:
- To add and configure a control, go to the “Insert” tab and click on the control you want to add.
- With the control selected, go to the “Properties” tab, and configure the control according to your needs.
The exact configuration options will depend on the control you have selected. However, the basic properties like Position, Size, Color, Fill, etc. are available for all the controls.
Creating and Configuring a Custom Page
A custom page in Microsoft Power Platform lets you create an area in a model-driven app that is specifically tailored to your users’ needs. This might include features such as info panels, forms, lists, charts, and buttons, among other elements. Here’s a simple process on how to create a custom page:
- Open Power Apps, then go to the “Apps” tab.
- Select a model-driven app to edit, then click on “Pages” in the left panel.
- Click “+ New page”, then select the type of page you want to create.
- Name your page, then add and configure the components you want on this page.
To configure your Custom Page:
- Start by clicking on the configuration button on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Adjust the properties according to the specific needs of your app.
Here is a table offering a brief comparison between Canvas Apps and Custom Pages:
| Canvas App | Custom Page | |
|---|---|---|
| Designing | Blank slate design with drag-and-drop feature. | Tailored designing within a model-driven app. |
| Data Source | Can import data from various sources. | Data input is model-driven. |
| User Interaction | Highly customizable, especially designed for user interaction. | Custom configured based on user needs and app functions. |
Remember, both the Canvas app and Custom page are tools optimized for different situations, and your choice between them should be predominantly based on the varying needs of your business.
That wraps up a basic overview on creating and configuring both a Canvas app and a Custom page within the Microsoft Power Platform. Remember, for the PL-400 Exam, understanding the difference between the two and knowing when best to use them is crucial. So, practice regularly and refine your skills for optimal performance in the Microsoft Power Platform Developer exam.
Practice Test
True or False: You can change the size, orientation, and scaling of a canvas app without affecting the layout of controls on your app.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Changing the size, orientation, and scaling of a canvas app impacts the layout of controls on the app, requiring manual adjustments to maintain the desired appearance.
Canvas apps can be built from a blank page, a template, or data. Is this statement true or false?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Canvas apps offer flexibility in creation. One can build them from a blank page for full control, a template for pre-built functionality, or from data for automatic integration with your data source.
What is the purpose of the “OnStart” property in a Canvas app?
- A. To execute logic when the app starts
- B. To execute logic when the app stops
- C. To execute logic when a screen loads
- D. To execute logic when a button is clicked
Answer: A
Explanation: The “OnStart” property in a Canvas app is used to execute logic that needs to be run when the app starts, such as initialization of variables or data loading.
True or False: In PowerApps, you can only use static data from your organization’s database.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You can use both static and dynamic data in PowerApps. Dynamic data may come from various sources such as SharePoint, Excel, SQL Server, and many other data sources.
Can more than one screen be added to a Canvas App in PowerApps?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A
Explanation: Multiple screens can be added in a Canvas App to segregate and organize functionality or sections.
True or False: You cannot customize the look and feel of a Canvas App in PowerApps.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You can customize nearly every aspect of a Canvas App in PowerApps, including its look and feel.
Which of the following are data sources that you can use in a Canvas app? (Select all that apply)
- A. Google Sheets
- B. SharePoint
- C. Excel
- D. Outlook Email
- E. SQL Server
Answer: B, C, E
Explanation: Currently, you cannot use Google Sheets or Outlook Email as data sources in a Canvas app. But you can use SharePoint, Excel, and SQL Server.
Can you rename the screens in a PowerApps Canvas app?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A
Explanation: Screens can be renamed in PowerApps Canvas apps to maintain organization and readability.
Which of the following languages is used to create formula in a Canvas app?
- A. Python
- B. Power Query
- C. Power Fx
- D. SQL
- E. HTML
Answer: C
Explanation: Power Fx is the language used for creating formulas in a Canvas app.
What primary factors should be considered for configuring a Canvas app? (Select all that apply)
- A. The size and orientation of the canvas
- B. The controls (buttons, labels, etc.) and their placement
- C. Data sources
- D. The color of the canvas background
Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: When configuring a Canvas app, you need to consider the size and orientation of the canvas, the controls and their placement, and data sources. The color of the canvas background is a matter of design preference and not a primary factor.
Interview Questions
What does the Canvas app in Microsoft Power Platform allow you to do?
The Canvas app allows you to create and edit applications starting with a blank canvas, where you can place elements such as controls, data connections, and screen navigation wherever you want.
How can a Canvas App be created in Microsoft Power Apps?
A Canvas app can be created in Power Apps by selecting “New Canvas app” from File menu and then defining its properties including name, storage, and format (phone or tablet).
What does a custom page in a model-driven app allow you to do?
A custom page in a model-driven app provides a no-code design experience for creating rich custom pages, enabling developers to embed canvas apps, interactive dashboards, forms, and other components to extend the capabilities of their apps.
How do you configure the data source for a Canvas app?
The data source for a Canvas app can be configured by navigating to the “View” tab, selecting “Data sources”, and then adding or modifying the data source by selecting it from the list or by entering its name.
What types of data sources can be used for a Canvas app?
The Canvas app can work with data from a wide range of sources, including Excel, SharePoint, SQL Server, and many others. You can also create custom connectors to work with your business-specific data.
How do you save and publish a canvas app?
To save and publish a canvas app, you can select Save from the File menu to save your app at any point. When you’re ready to publish, select the Publish button on the right-hand side of the File menu.
Can you create responsive layouts with a Canvas app?
Yes, Canvas apps support creating responsive layouts through fluid formulas and relative positioning of controls.
What is a component in a Canvas app?
A component in a Canvas app is a reusable building block for an app, which can include multiple controls or groups of controls configured to perform a specific task or create a specific visual effect.
How are custom pages in model-driven apps created?
Custom pages in model-driven apps can be created by navigating to the app designer, clicking on “+ New”, selecting “Custom Page” and then setting its properties and adding components to it.
How is navigation between screens in a Canvas app configured?
Navigation in a Canvas app is configured using the ‘Navigate’ function attached to buttons or other controls. This function navigates to a specific screen.
What are templates in Power Apps and how are they used?
Templates in Power Apps are predefined applications that are ready to be used or modified. They can be used when creating a new Canvas app as a starting point, saving a significant amount of development time.
How can you share a Canvas app with other users?
A Canvas app can be shared with other users by navigating to the “Apps” list in Power Apps, selecting the app, and then clicking on “Share”. Here you can enter the email addresses of the individuals or groups you want to share the app with.
Is it possible to embed a canvas app in a model-driven app?
Yes, to provide additional functionality to the model-driven app you can embed a canvas app.
What languages are supported in Canvas apps?
Canvas apps currently support only one language – English.
How can you debug a Canvas app?
The “Monitor” tool in Power Apps gives insights into errors and performance issues in a Canvas app. Furthermore, it can capture the flow of data and events in an app while someone is using it.
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