Model-driven apps are an important part of the Microsoft Power Platform and a key topic for the PL-400 Microsoft Power Platform Developer exam. They accelerate the development process by offering a rich design capability and a robust set of frameworks for creating dynamic applications.
Creating and configuring a model-driven app is essentially an end-to-end process that involves defining the data model, the business processes, the business rules, and the app layout.
Defining the Data Model
Before creating a model-driven app, you first need to have your data model defined. A data model mainly consists of entities, fields, relationships, and option sets.
Entities are like tables in a database, and they represent the different types of items that your app will manage. For example, in a task tracking app, you may have entities such as “Tasks,” “Users,” and “Projects.”
Fields are like columns in a table, and they hold the attributes of an entity. For a “Task” entity, for instance, you may have fields such as “Task Title,” “Task Description,” “Due Date,” etc.
Relationships define how different entities interact with each other. For example, a “Task” might be related to a “User” (who the task is assigned to) and a “Project” (which the task is a part of).
Option sets are like drop-down lists that restrict the possible values a field can have.
Creating a Model-Driven App
Once your data model is ready, you can then start creating the app. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Sign in to Power Apps.
- Select “Apps” from the left hand side menu.
- Click on “+New App” then “Model-driven” from the top-right corner.
- Set up the name and the unique name of your app.
- Choose an icon, a color, and a description for your app.
- Click “Done”.
Configuring the App
The next steps involve defining the app’s sitemap and the different forms, views, and charts that will be used.
A sitemap specifies the different areas, subareas, and entities that will be included in the app’s navigation. For instance, you can include “Tasks,” “Users,” and “Projects” as separate areas in your task tracking app’s sitemap.
Forms are the screens that are used to create, read, or update the records of an entity. You will define the layout and the fields that will appear on each form.
Views are the tables that display the records of an entity in a list form. You will define the columns that will be displayed in each view, as well as the filters that determine which records will be displayed.
Charts can be added to both forms and views, to visualize the data in various graphical representations.
Finally, you will have to publish your app to make it available to your users.
Now, you should have a good understanding of how you can create and configure a model-driven app on the Microsoft Power Platform. Remember, constant practice is the key to mastering these concepts, so keep practicing and exploring on your own, and good luck with your PL-400 exam preparation!
Practice Test
True or False: In Power Apps, you can create only two types of apps: Canvas Apps and Model-Driven Apps.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Apart from Canvas Apps and Model-Driven Apps, you can also create Portal Apps in Power Apps.
True or False: You can add both standard and custom entities to a Model-Driven App.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Both standard (out-of-the-box) and custom entities can be included in a Model-Driven App.
What system provides the underlying data structure for a model-driven app?
- A. Excel
- B. SharePoint
- C. Power BI
- D. Dataverse
Answer: D. Dataverse
Explanation: Model-driven app designs are based on the data structure in Microsoft Dataverse.
True or False: The views and forms in a model-driven app are automatically generated from the entity metadata.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The user interface is automatically generated in a model-driven app based on the metadata of the added entities.
What do you need to define when you create a model-driven app?
- A. Entities
- B. Controls
- C. Site map
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Configuring a model-driven app involves defining the site map, entities, and controls.
Which component is not included in a model-driven app?
- A. View
- B. Form
- C. Report
- D. Flow
Answer: D. Flow
Explanation: Model-driven apps include views, forms, and reports but do not include flows.
True or False: The user interface in a model-driven app can be customized without writing code.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The metadata-driven model of Power Apps allows customization of the user interface without writing code.
What is the command bar in a model-driven app?
- A. A way to navigate the app
- B. A way to control the data source
- C. A way to access the most commonly used commands
- D. None of the above
Answer: C. A way to access the most commonly used commands
Explanation: The command bar provides a set of buttons that perform common actions like adding or editing a record.
Which of the following elements can you define in a site map?
- A. Areas
- B. Groups
- C. Subareas
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: A site map includes different areas, groups, and subareas, offering a navigation structure for the app.
True or False: A model-driven app best suits a simple app that needs to be rapidly built and deployed.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A model-driven app is suitable for complex scenarios that require a full-featured, responsive, and role-driven app because the design is based heavily on the underlying data model and business processes.
How can you test your model-driven app?
- A. In the Power Apps studio
- B. Using preview mode
- C. In a web browser
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: You can test your model-driven app in three ways: In the Power Apps studio, using preview mode, and in a web browser.
True or False: Model-driven apps run only on mobile devices.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Model-driven apps are designed to run on any platform – Office, Teams, mobile devices, and in a web browser.
Which of the following is not a navigation tool in the model-driven app?
- A. Sitemap
- B. Dashboards
- C. Grids
- D. Portals
Answer: D. Portals
Explanation: Portals are a different type of Power App. Sitemap, dashboards, and grids are all navigation tools used within a model-driven app.
True or False: You can publish a Model-driven app without saving it.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The app needs to be saved before it can be published.
Which feature of Model-driven apps provides a complete view of your data in multiple related lists?
- A. Dashboards
- B. Grids
- C. Forms
- D. Views
Answer: A. Dashboards
Explanation: Dashboards can contain charts, lists, and other visuals providing a unified view of the related data.
Interview Questions
What is a model-driven app in Microsoft Power Platform?
A model-driven app is an application primarily based on Power Platform Data Models (entities, fields, relationships). It lets you design forms, views, and charts with data from Power Platform – creating a clear interface that is easy to follow and manage.
What is the first step in creating a model-driven app?
The first step in creating a model-driven app is defining the sitemap that determines the navigation of your app.
How do you alter the user interface or behavior of a model-driven app?
You can use Power Apps component framework (PCF) to create custom components for use in Power Apps.
How are the forms and views in a model-driven app defined?
The forms and views in a model-driven app are defined by the metadata from the Data Platform and are generated automatically.
What is the function of the App Designer in the model-driven app process?
The App Designer function in the model-driven app process is used to compose the application which includes adding or editing entities, dashboards, business process flows, and other components.
What are business process flows in the context of model-driven apps?
Business process flows in model-driven apps guide users through a predefined business process. They provide a streamlined user experience that leads people through the processes that they need to follow.
Can you integrate external data into a model-driven app?
Yes, you can integrate external data into a model-driven app using Power Automate (previously known as Microsoft Flow) or directly connecting to the data source.
What is a canvas app in relation to a model-driven app on Power Platform?
A canvas app is another approach to application development on Power Platform, where the user interface is designed first, and then data sources and formulas are added, unlike a model-driven app where the data model is the foundation.
Do model-driven apps support offline capabilities?
Yes, model-driven apps support offline capabilities by rendering certain entities available in offline mode using Power Apps mobile.
What roles do you need to create and manage a model-driven app?
To create and manage a model-driven app, you need either a System Administrator or System Customizer role.
Can you customize the appearance of a model-driven app?
Yes, you can configure the appearance, site-map, and add Dashboards, Forms, Views, Charts, and Business Processes to customize a model-driven app.
Can you add custom entities to a model-driven app?
Yes, you can add custom entities to a model-driven app from the app designer.
What is a role-based app in the context of a model-driven app?
A role-based app in a model-driven context is an application that is tailored to the specific roles in an organization, showing only the relevant data and tasks to the user based on their role.
How do you publish a model-driven app?
To publish a model-driven app, navigate to the App Designer, click on File, then Save, and then click on Publish.
Can you control access to a model-driven app?
Yes, you can control access to a model-driven app by granting security roles, which determines who can see and interact with the app.
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