With the increasing adoption of cloud-based architecture and services, professionals are harnessing the power of Microsoft Power Automate to streamline their business process workflows. Leveraging Power Automate, the PL-500 exam emphasizes developing robust flows that run in the cloud, utilizing data objects such as tables, lists, matrices, and variables. This article will take a closer look at how power automatically implements data objects and demonstrates it with examples.
Understanding Data Objects
At a basic level, data objects represent structured data in your cloud flows. They enable users to interact with data stored in cloud-based services. Most common data-object types in Power Automate include Variables, Tables and Arrays.
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Variables:
Variables are the most basic form of data object. They allow developers to store a single value that may change during the flow’s execution. Variable data can be of different types, such as text, Boolean, number, etc.
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Tables:
Tables used in Power Automate are collections of rows and columns. Each row represents a unique data item and the columns represent the data attached to that particular item.
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Arrays:
They are similar to tables, but more complex. An Array can store multiple values of the same type, each identified by an index or key.
Using Variables in Power Automate
Variables in Power Automate can be set, incremented, and their values retrieved using various actions. Let’s see an example of setting and incrementing a variable in cloud flow:
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First, initialize a variable action.
Action: Initialize variable
Name: TestVariable
Type: Integer
Value: 0 -
To increment the variable use the “Increment variable” action.
Action: Increment variable
Name: TestVariable
Value: 1
The context of these variables is within the flow where they are created, and they can be used by all steps after the initialization.
Utilizing Tables in Cloud Flows
Power Automate uses tables to manipulate and process multiple sets of data at a time. An operation can be performed on a table as a whole, instead of performing the operation on each data individually. For example, the `List rows present in a table` action can retrieve rows from the specified table.
Implementing Arrays in Power Automate
Arrays store multiple data of similar types and perform operations like add, modify, and delete on that data. To define an array, use the ‘initialize variable’ action and assign an array as its type.
Variable: MyArray
Type: Array
Value: []
This initialized array is empty and data can be added to it with the ‘Append to array variable’ action.
Ultimately, the ability to effectively use data object types is an essential skill for any developer pursuing the PL-500 Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer certification. By learning to implement variables, tables, and arrays in your cloud flows, you can create even more powerful and dynamic automated processes.
Remember, practice is the key – so, start creating and manipulate these data objects to get the hang of using them in your flows. Performing such complex tasks on the cloud can accelerate your digital transformation journey, making you a valuable asset in this highly competitive tech ecosystem.
As you prepare for the PL-500 Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer exam, the understanding and practical application of Power Automate’s data objects should be a large part of your study and practice. The examples above provide a basic insight into the possibilities – it’s up to you to explore even more!
Practice Test
True or False: You can implement both common data service and SharePoint as data objects in cloud flows
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In cloud flows, both Common Data Service and SharePoint can be used as data objects. This gives users the flexibility to work with different data storage environments.
What are the necessary requirements for implementing data objects in cloud flows?
- a) Proper sign-in Authority
- b) Correct data service
- c) Adequate permissions
- d) All of the Above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: To Implement data objects in cloud flows, you need a correct sign-in authority, appropriate data service, and the necessary permissions.
True or False: Only SQL Server is used to handle data objects in Microsoft Power Automate.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft Power Automate supports the use of multiple data services, including SQL Server, SharePoint, and Common Data Service.
Which of the following connectors simplify working with data in Power Automate?
- a) SharePoint
- b) Common Data Service
- c) SQL Server
- d) Excel Online
- e) All of the above
Answer: e) All of the above
Explanation: All the mentioned connectors are available in Power Automate and can be used to simplify working with data.
True or False: You may use the ‘Excel Online Business’ connector to work with data objects in an Excel spreadsheet hosted in the cloud.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The ‘Excel Online Business’ connector allows you to work with data objects in an Excel spreadsheet stored in the cloud, such as in OneDrive or SharePoint.
Which data connector is intended for use with business accounts?
- a) Excel Online (Business)
- b) Excel Online (Home)
- c) Excel Online (Individual)
- d) None of the above
Answer: a) Excel Online (Business)
Explanation: Excel Online (Business) is the data connector designed for use with business accounts in Power Automate.
Multiple selection: Which amongst the following can be used as data sources in the Power Automate?
- a) Common Data Service
- b) SharePoint
- c) Google Sheets
- d) SQL Server
Answer: a) Common Data Service, b) SharePoint, d) SQL Server
Explanation: Google Sheets is not supported as a data source in Power Automate.
True or False: You can use the Dataverse to store and manage data in Power Automate.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In Power Automate, the Dataverse provides secure and scalable storage for data.
Single selection: ________________ may be used in Power Automate with the help of Advanced Find.
- a) SharePoint Lists
- b) Dataverse Records
- c) Google Sheets
- d) Outlook Mail
Answer: b) Dataverse Records
Explanation: Using Advanced Find, Dataverse Records can be located and used in Power Automate.
True or False: Without proper permissions, data objects cannot be manipulated in Power Automate Cloud flows.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: It is imperative to have the necessary permissions to be able to manipulate data objects within Cloud flows in Power Automate.
Single selection: In Power Automate, data from common data service can be extracted by using ________?
- a) Advanced Find
- b) Fetch XML
- c) SQL Server
- d) JSON
Answer: b) Fetch XML
Explanation: Fetch XML is used in Power Automate to extract data from the Common Data Service.
True or False: Users can manipulate data objects in Cloud flows using the REST API.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Users can leverage REST API to manipulate data objects within Cloud flows, allowing to interact with data in more complex and flexible ways.
Multiple selection: Which of these objects can be used in a Cloud Flow?
- a) List records
- b) Create a new record
- c) Update a record
- d) Delete a record
Answer: a) List records, b) Create a new record, c) Update a record, d) Delete a record
Explanation: All these operations are possible when you are working with objects in Cloud Flow.
True or False: You can use the Get Items action to retrieve items from SharePoint lists.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Get Items action is a SharePoint connector action that’s used in Power Automate for retrieving items from SharePoint lists.
Single selection: ____________ defines the structure of an entity in terms of fields and field types.
- a) Data object
- b) Access object
- c) Data model
- d) Data source
Answer: c) Data model
Explanation: A data model defines the structure of an entity (like a table, a view, or even a stored procedure) in terms of fields and field types.
Interview Questions
What are cloud flows in Power Automate?
In Power Automate, cloud flows are used to create automated workflows between your favorite apps and services to get notifications, synchronize files, collect data, and more.
How do data objects work in cloud flows?
Data objects in cloud flows are used to carry data from one action to another in the same cloud flow.
Can you provide an example of implementing a data object?
A simple implementation is to initialize a variable at the beginning of the workflow and then use it in subsequent actions. For example, you can start by initializing a string variable and then use it in an email action to hold the email body.
Can you modify a data object during workflow execution?
Yes, you can modify a data object during the execution of the workflow, using the ‘Set variable’ action, for instance.
How do you use a data object in multiple actions within a flow?
After initializing a data object, it can be used across the entire workflow just by using its name. For example, after initializing a variable with the name ‘MyVariable’, this can be used in other actions by selecting it from Dynamic Content.
What data types are supported in data objects?
Power Automate supports various data types for data objects including string, boolean, integer, float, array, and object.
Can you pass data between flows?
Yes, you can pass data between flows using the ‘Run a child flow’ action. Data passed to this action can be captured in the child flow as a trigger output.
Can you use expression when working with data objects?
Yes, expressions can be used to perform complex manipulation of the data objects in Power Automate.
What is an array data object?
An array data object is a type of data object that stores multiple values, which can be of different data types.
Is it possible to nest data objects?
Yes, it is possible to have data objects within data objects. This is particularly useful when working with JSON data in your flows.
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