[Power Pages Tutorial #2] Create Schema in Dataverse

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a data structure in Dataverse for Power Pages. This process is crucial for storing and managing your application's data efficiently. By following these steps, you will set up your solution, publisher, and tables, which are foundational elements for any application built on Power Pages.

Step 1: Create Your Solution

1. Access the Power Apps Portal:

   • Go to the Power Apps portal.
   • Sign in with your Microsoft account.

2. Create a New Solution:

   • In the left-hand menu, select "Solutions."
   • Click on "New Solution."
   • Fill in the required fields:
     • Name: Give your solution a descriptive name.
     • Publisher: Choose an existing publisher or create a new one.

3. Create a New Publisher (if needed):

   • Click on "Publishers" in the Solutions area.
   • Select "New Publisher."
   • Complete the fields:
     • Name: Unique name for the publisher.
     • Prefix: A 3-5 character prefix for your entities.
     • Display Name: User-friendly name.

Step 2: Create Tables in Dataverse

1. Navigate to Tables:

   • In the left menu, click on "Data" and then "Tables."

2. Add a New Table:

   • Click on "+ New Table."
   • Fill in the table details:
     • Display Name: Name of the table as it will appear.
     • Plural Name: How the table name will appear in lists.
     • Primary Column: Usually, this is an identifier for the records.

3. Define Columns:

   • After creating the table, navigate to the "Columns" section.
   • Click on "+ Add Column."
   • Specify the column details:
     • Display Name: Name of the column.
     • Data Type: Choose the appropriate data type (e.g., text, number, date).
     • Required: Set whether this column must have a value.

4. Save and Publish:

   • Once all columns are defined, click "Save."
   • After saving, ensure to publish your changes for them to take effect.

Step 3: Download and Import the Completed Solution

1. Download the Example Solution:

   • Access the completed solution here.
   • Click on "Download."

2. Import the Solution:

   • Go back to the Power Apps portal.
   • Click on "Solutions" and then "Import."
   • Upload the downloaded solution file and follow the prompts to complete the import.

3. Refer to Import Guidelines:

   • If you encounter issues during import, check the video tutorial on how to import the solution.

Conclusion

You have successfully created a data structure in Dataverse for your Power Pages application. This includes setting up your solution, creating a publisher, and defining tables and columns. With this foundation in place, you're ready to move on to the next steps in your tutorial series, such as creating lists to view and secure your data.