What is PowerApps

 

What is PowerApps  

1. PowerApps is the platform/service provided by Microsoft.
2. We can use PowerApps to build business apps by using low code, no code technology that runs on browsers, mobile, or tablets.

Microsoft PowerApps is a platform for building custom business applications that can connect to your business data and work across the web and mobile devices. With Power Apps, you can create a variety of applications, such as forms, workflows, and custom business processes, using pre-built templates or by building your own from scratch.

Power Apps provides a visual, drag-and-drop interface for creating and customizing your app. It also includes a powerful set of tools for developing and customizing your app, including the ability to write custom code, integrate with other systems and services, and publish your app for others to use.

You can use Power Apps to automate a wide range of business processes, from simple tasks like data entry and approval workflows, to more complex processes like customer onboarding and service request management. Power Apps can be used by organizations of all sizes, across a wide range of industries.

Usage

1. If we are working with one or more database, then PowerApps quickly integrate more than one database to one place
2. To build quick application that will be used for specific purpose

What are the different types of PowerApps

1. Canvas App
2. Model Driven App
3. Portal Apps

Canvas App

1. In canvas app we can drag and drop controls to the screens and create meaningful design by placing various controls at proper place on the screen
2. When your design part completes you can add different database to the application and assign the controls to the database fields
3. We can connect more than 200 data sources to the application
4. You can go with canvas app if your application is Design oriented
5. Canvas App takes design first approach
6. Canvas app is not responsive by default, we must use containers and different controls to make it responsive.

Model Driven App

1. Model driven app takes data first approach
2. You can use model driven app where there is complex business logic like tables are internally connected to each other
3. We can use CDS(Common Data Source)/Dataverse as a database
4. This application is responsive by default
5. Ex-Library Application.

Portal App

1. Portal App allows user to create website and share it with organization and outside
2. It allows customizing pages

Limitation of canvas app ?

Canvas apps are a type of app that can be created and used within the Power Platform, which is a suite of business application development tools from Microsoft. Canvas apps have the following limitations:

Data sources: Canvas apps can connect to a limited number of data sources, such as Excel, SQL Server, SharePoint, and Common Data Service. If you need to connect to a data source that is not on the list, you may need to use a different app type or build a custom connector.

Data size: Canvas apps have a limit on the amount of data that can be processed and stored. This limit varies depending on the type of license you have and the specific requirements of your app.

Performance: Canvas apps may not perform as well as other types of apps when dealing with large amounts of data or complex calculations.

Customization: Canvas apps have a limited set of pre-built controls and components that can be used to build the app. If you need more customization or specific functionality, you may need to use a different app type or build custom code.