DataTables are two-dimensional tables that consist of rows and columns. They are useful for managing large amounts of data and can store data of different types.
Below is an example of configuring DataTable:
// Create a new DataTable
DataTable dt = new DataTable(“New_Table”);
// Define Columns
DataColumn column;
column = new DataColumn();
column.DataType = System.Type.GetType(“System.String”);
column.ColumnName = “Name”;
dt.Columns.Add(column);
column = new DataColumn();
column.DataType = System.Type.GetType(“System.Int32”);
column.ColumnName = “Age”;
dt.Columns.Add(column);
// Add Rows
DataRow row;
row = dt.NewRow();
row[“Name”] = “John Doe”;
row[“Age”] = 25;
dt.Rows.Add(row);
row = dt.NewRow();
row[“Name”] = “Jane Doe”;
row[“Age”] = 24;
dt.Rows.Add(row);
Configuring Lists
Lists are data structures that hold an ordered sequence of elements. We usually use them because of their flexibility and responsive nature.
Here is an example of a list configuration:
// Create a list of strings
List
// Add elements to the list
names.Add(“John”);
names.Add(“Jane”);
// Accessing data from the list
string firstPersonName = names[0];
Configuring Custom Objects
Custom objects in Power Automate are typically .NET classes that define the characteristics and behaviors of an object. These objects can be utilized to store and manipulate data.
Here is how you can configure custom objects:
// Defining a custom object
public class Person
{
public string Name { get; set; }
public int Age { get; set; }
}
// Using the custom object
Person person = new Person();
person.Name = “John Doe”;
person.Age = 25;
Conclusion
By understanding the configuration and usage of DataTables, lists, and custom objects, you’ll be able to handle the data more efficiently in your Power Automate desktop flows, which is a key skill for the PL-500 Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer exam.
Remember, practice is essential. Try creating, adding elements, and manipulating these data structures to fortify your knowledge further.
| Data Structure | Creation | Adding Elements | Data Manipulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DataTable | DataTable dt = new DataTable(“New_Table”); | dt.Columns.Add(column); dt.Rows.Add(row); | dt.Columns[0].ColumnName; dt.Rows[0][“ColumnName”]; |
| List | List |
names.Add(“John”); | names[0]; |
| Custom Object | Person person = new Person(); | person.Name = “John Doe”; | person.Name; |
Practice Test
True or False: Microsoft Power Automate does not allow users to configure datatables, lists, and custom objects in desktop flows.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft Power Automate provides extensive support to configure datatables, lists, and custom objects in desktop flows.
Which of the following scenarios is ideal for using a datatable in a Microsoft Power Automate desktop flow?
- A. When you need to process data in a sequential manner
- B. When you need to organize data into a structured, tabular format
- C. When you only need to handle complex objects and not relational data
Answer: B. When you need to organize data into a structured, tabular format
Explanation: In Microsoft Power Automate, datatables are useful for organizing the data into a structured, tabular format.
Multiple Select: Which of the following elements can a list in Microsoft Power Automate desktop flows contain?
- A. String
- B. Integer
- C. Boolean
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Lists in Microsoft Power Automate can contain various elements like strings, integers, booleans etc.
True or False: Custom objects in Microsoft Power Automate desktop flows cannot have properties.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Custom objects in Microsoft Power Automate desktop flows can indeed have properties. You’re able to define these properties according to your specific use case.
Single Select: Which of the following data structures is most suitable for storing multiple data types?
- A. Datatables
- B. Lists
- C. Custom objects
- D. None of the above
Answer: C. Custom objects
Explanation: Custom objects are best suited for storing complex data and multiple data types.
True or False: To delete an item from a list in a Microsoft Power Automate desktop flow, you must use a complex script.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Deleting an item from a list can be done using the ‘Remove from list’ action in Microsoft Power Automate.
Which of the following is mandatory when creating a custom object in a Microsoft Power Automate desktop flow?
- A. Specifying its properties
- B. Storing it in a datatable
- C. Having a name that starts with a numeric value
Answer: A. Specifying its properties
Explanation: When creating a custom object in Microsoft Power Automate, it’s mandatory to specify its properties.
Multiple Select: What can you do in the process of configuring a datatable in Microsoft Power Automate Desktop?
- A. Add rows
- B. Delete rows
- C. Modify existing data
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: The datatable configuration in Microsoft Power Automate Desktop allows adding rows, deleting rows, and modifying existing data.
True or False: Details stored in datatables can be used across multiple desktop flows in power automate.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Once configured, details stored in datatables can be used across multiple desktop flows.
Single Select: A __ in Microsoft Power Automate refers to a self-contained unit that has properties and actions.
- A. List
- B. Custom object
- C. Datatable
Answer: B. Custom object
Explanation: A custom object in Microsoft Power Automate is a self-contained unit with properties and actions. It is designed to capture more complex data structures.
Interview Questions
What is the primary function of a DataTable in Microsoft Power Platform?
In Microsoft Power Platform, a DataTable is used to hold data in a tabular format i.e., in rows and columns. It can be used to store data from various sources like SharePoint, Excel or CRM systems.
How do you add a new DataTable in Power Automate?
To add a new DataTable in Power Automate, you can follow these steps: Initiate a new action, search for “Data Operations” and select “Create Table”. Then specify the table name and structure as required.
What is the purpose of using Lists in Power Automate Desktop Flows?
Lists in Power Automate Desktop Flows are used to store and manipulate a collection of data in a more organized way. They are ideal when data storage needs a dynamic approach, capable of expanding or contracting at runtime.
How can you add an item to a list in Power Automate?
To add an item to a list in Power Automate, use the “Add an item to a list” action. Specify the list you want to add the item to, as well as the item’s text or value.
Can you use custom objects with Desktop Flows in Power Automate and how?
Yes, you can use custom objects with Desktop Flows in Power Automate. Custom objects can be created using the ‘Initialize variable’ action. You specify the variable type as ‘Object’ and append properties as required.
What steps are involved in configuring DataTables in Desktop Flows?
After creating a DataTable through the “Data Operations –> Create Table” route, you can configure the DataTable by defining columns with respective data types using “Add a Column” action. You then populate the table using the “Add a row” action.
How do you iterate through a DataTable in Power Automate Desktop?
You can iterate through a DataTable using the “Apply to each” action in Power Automate Desktop. In the “Select an output from previous steps” box, select the DataTable you want to iterate through.
How can you sort a List in Power Automate Desktop Flows?
To sort a List in Power Automate Desktop Flows, you can use the “Sort list” action. This action sorts the items in your list in ascending or descending order.
How can you search for an item within a list in Power Automate Flows?
To search for an item within a list in Power Automate Flows, you can use the “Find items in a list” action. You specify the list and the condition or item you are looking for.
How can you update data in a Datatable?
To update data in a Datatable, you can use the “Update row” action. This action needs the reference to the DataTable and the specific row you aim to update, as well as the new values.
How can you delete a row from a Datatable in Power Automate Desktop Flows?
To delete a row from a Datatable, you can use the “Delete row” action in Power Automate Desktop flows. You must specify the table and row index to effectively delete the necessary row.
Can you convert a DataTable to a list in Power Automate?
Yes, you can convert a DataTable to a list in Power Automate. This can be accomplished using the “Create CSV table” or “Create HTML table” action under “Data Operations”, which from there can be manipulated to behave as a list.
How do you access properties of custom objects in Power Automate Desktop Flows?
To access properties of custom objects in Power Automate Desktop Flows, you use the “Get object property” action. This action requires the object and the property name, and it will return the value of the specified property.
How can you clone a DataTable in Power Automate Desktop?
In Power Automate Desktop to clone a DataTable, you would first use the “Create new DataTable” action, followed by using “Add data row” action with the input being the rows from the original DataTable.
How to create a list variable in Power Automate Desktop Flows?
To create a list variable in Power Automate Desktop Flows, use the “Initialize variable” action. Set the Type as ‘Array’ and provide the variable name.
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