Standard tables (formerly entities) are integral to the Common Data Service platform. They offer the most integrated experience and are key when utilizing Dynamics 365 apps or when building custom model-driven apps.
Standard tables include out-of-the-box entities such as Account, Contact, Lead, Opportunity, etc., as well as any custom tables made by the developer. These tables are directly stored within the Common Data Service environment ensuring data security and allowing direct access to data.
When using standard tables, you gain certain advantages:
- System-wide integration with PowerApps and Dynamics 365 apps.
- Use out-of-the-box or design custom business rules and workflows around the data.
- Advanced querying and reporting capabilities with FetchXML or OData.
- Higher levels of control of security down to the field level.
Virtual Tables:
Virtual tables let you integrate data residing in external systems without migrating or copying it. This ensures that you can view the data in context of other data in the Common Data Service. Virtual tables are used with Data Providers and Data Sources to surface data directly from where it lies without the need for replication.
However, keep in mind that, unlike standard tables, virtual tables come with certain limitations such as no support for auditing, no bulk delete, and you cannot see them in the lookup dialog box.
Despite this, here are some reasons you may want to use virtual tables:
- You need real-time data from external systems.
- You don’t want to store data in the Common Data Service due to storage limits.
- You want to avoid data replication.
Connectors:
Connectors offer another method to integrate data into Power Platform solutions. Connectors provide a way to interface with data that exists outside of the Common Data Service. API connectors bridge the gap between the Power Platform and external data sources, such as SharePoint, SQL Server, Office 365, and others.
The most significant benefit of Connectors is their out-of-the-box functionality. Power Platform has more than 300 pre-built connectors, providing developers with an easy way to integrate external data sources without any coding necessary.
Here are situations when you might choose to use connectors:
- To access data or trigger actions from external services.
- Data resides in systems where no data provider exists.
- Quick and straightforward data integration with no coding necessary.
In conclusion, choosing between standard tables, virtual tables, or connectors in the PL-400 Microsoft Power Platform Developer exam requires understanding of what each brings to the table. While standard tables provide an integrated experience within the Common Data Service, virtual tables offer a way to integrate external real-time data without replication. On the other hand, connectors provide access to a variety of external data sources without requiring extensive programming knowledge. In all cases, understanding the source and nature of your data will guide this decision.
Practice Test
True or False: Standard tables are always the best choice when developing solutions in Microsoft Power Platform.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The choice between standard tables, virtual tables, and connectors depends on the unique requirements of each development project. Some projects may require the use of virtual tables or connectors over standard tables.
What are virtual tables used for in Power Platform?
- A) To integrate data from external systems
- B) To connect to internal Microsoft databases
- C) To store large amounts of structured data
- D) To execute complex data queries
Answer: A. To integrate data from external systems
Explanation: Virtual tables are used in Power Platform to integrate data from external systems without storing it in Microsoft Dataverse.
True or False: Connectors should be used when you want to connect Power Apps to a non-Microsoft service.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Connectors are components in Power Platform that provide a way to connect Power Apps and other Power Platform services with various data sources, which include non-Microsoft services.
Which of the following can be connected to Power Platform using connectors?
- A) SQL Server
- B) SharePoint
- C) Salesforce
- D) All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Connectors in Power Platform allow connection to a wide range of data sources, including SQL Server, SharePoint, Salesforce, and many others.
True or False: Standard tables, virtual tables, and connectors can all be used in combination in a Power Platform solution.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Depending on the requirements of a Power Platform solution, developers may choose to use standard tables, virtual tables, and connectors all in combination.
In which scenario would you most likely use a standard table?
- A) When you want to connect with external data sources
- B) When you are dealing with large volumes of structured data
- C) When you want to create a simple, standalone application
- D) When you do not want to store data in Microsoft Dataverse
Answer: B. When you are dealing with large volumes of structured data
Explanation: Standard tables are used when a large volume of structured data needs to be stored in the Microsoft Dataverse.
True or False: Using a virtual table involves data storage in Microsoft Dataverse.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Virtual tables do not store data in Microsoft Dataverse. Instead, they provide a way to integrate data from external systems.
Which type of table can be modified to create custom entities in Power Platform?
- A) Standard tables
- B) Virtual tables
- C) Both A and B
- D) Neither A nor B
Answer: A. Standard tables
Explanation: Standard tables in Power Platform can be modified to create custom entities as per the application requirements.
True or False: Connectors are only used to read data from external sources.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Connectors can not only read data from external sources but also write data back to these sources.
What are connectors in Power Platform?
- A) Data storage solutions
- B) Components to connect to external data sources
- C) Modification of standard tables
- D) Integration of data within Microsoft Dataverse
Answer: B. Components to connect to external data sources
Explanation: Connectors in Power Platform serve as a bridge to external data sources, including both Microsoft and non-Microsoft services.
Interview Questions
When should you use the standard tables in Power Apps?
You should use the standard tables in Power Apps when you are dealing with a typical type of data that is inherent to a system, like the cable management data in telecommunications.
What is the role of connectors in Power Apps?
Connectors in Power Apps provide a way to connect to an existing service, system, or application to perform operations and transactions to extend the functionality of Power Apps.
What types of data sources are suitable for Power Apps virtual tables?
Power Apps virtual tables are suitable for data sources that are dynamically changing and are external to the Power Apps environment.
When should you use virtual tables in Power Apps?
Use virtual tables in Power Apps when you are working with data that is not stored in your application but exists in an external system, and it should appear like it is in your own environment.
What are the benefits of using standard tables in Power Apps?
Standard tables in Power Apps are beneficial as it ensures structured data organization. They are easy to set up and manage, and they can efficiently store substantial information for easy retrieval and processing.
Why should a developer use connectors in Power Apps?
A developer should use connectors to facilitate communication between the Power Apps platform and other services, to pull data from these services, or to push data into them.
How are power apps connectors categorized?
Power Apps connectors are categorized as standard, premium, and on-premises data gateways, determined by the services they provide and the licensing requirements.
In what scenario would using a virtual table be most appropriate?
Using a virtual table would be most appropriate when there’s a need to access, view, and manipulate data stored in a remote data source in real-time.
How many standard connectors are available in Power Apps?
Power Apps provides over 300 standard connectors that allow it to connect and interact with systems and services like SharePoint, Office 365, SQL Server, and others.
How does a virtual table differ from a standard table in Power Apps?
The main difference between a virtual and standard table is that a virtual table does not store data within Power Apps. It fetches data in real-time from external data sources, while standard tables store data directly in the system.
How many data source types are supported by virtual tables in Power Apps?
Power Apps supports two types of data sources for virtual tables: OData v4 data services and custom data providers.
What data sources does a standard table in Power Apps support?
A standard table in Power Apps supports data sources within the Power Apps environment itself and does not fetch data from external sources.
Why would a developer choose a standard table over a virtual table?
A developer would choose a standard table over a virtual table for reasons such as ease of set-up, data consistency, and when working with static data that is not frequently updated.
What is the main advantage of using connectors in Power Apps?
The main advantage of using connectors in Power Apps is that it allows seamless data interchange with a variety of systems, services, and applications without the need for extensive coding.
What factors should be considered when choosing between standard tables, virtual tables, or connectors in Power Apps?
Factors such as type and location of the data source, frequency of data updates, security considerations, and business requirements should be considered when choosing between standard tables, virtual tables, or connectors in Power Apps.
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