Data-source overview

6 minutes

Data, the core of your apps, resides in a data source ready for your commands. By establishing a connection, you link your app to the data that powers it. Each connection uses a specific connector, acting as a bridge to your desired data. Power Apps offers a wide range of connectors, including SharePoint, SQL Server, Salesforce, and Twitter, enabling access to various online and on-premises data sources.

Connectors are more than just access points; they unlock numerous possibilities. Some connectors provide tables filled with data, while others offer actions that allow you to interact with data in unique ways. Some connectors even offer a combination of both tables and actions. Additionally, you can create custom connectors tailored to your specific needs, adding a personalized touch to your app-building process.

Tables

Tables, the core components of connectors providing tabular data, are essential to your app. You can display, interact with, and manipulate complete tables, filtered tables, individual records, or specific fields within those records. The possibilities are vast, and all the data within the table is easily accessible. Once you connect to a data source, you can effortlessly bring in one or more tables, selecting exactly what you need to power your app's functionality.

Actions

Actions, on the other hand, open the door to dynamic data retrieval. Connectors offering actions work similarly to table-based connectors during the initial connection phase. However, instead of selecting specific tables, you can invoke actions to request data based on the specific action you use within a control's formula. This manual process allows you to curate the data flowing into your app. Explore action connectors like Yammer and Office 365 Outlook, where each interaction lets you shape your app's functionality.

Popular connectors

Now, let us introduce you to a glimpse of some of the most popular connectors. The table below showcases just a few of them. But remember, this is merely a taste of what's available. For a complete (and ever growing) list of connectors that can amplify your app's potential, you can further explore the many options for connecting to data.


Microsoft Dataverse	Cloud storage **
Dynamics AX	Excel
Microsoft Translator	Office 365 Outlook
Office 365 Users	Oracle
Power BI	SharePoint
SQL Server	X (Twitter)

** Applies to Azure Blob, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

Standard and custom connectors

Power Apps offers a vast array of dynamic connectors to meet your needs. With its standard connectors, Power Apps seamlessly integrates with commonly used data sources, allowing you to use their full potential. If you need access to untapped data sources, Power Apps provides a solution: the custom connector. While it might require more technical skill, this feature allows you to connect to data sources beyond the standard options. For those ready to explore customization and endless possibilities, custom connectors for canvas apps can unlock your application's true potential.

What's ahead of you

As our learning journey continues, we introduce the art of adding data sources, showing you how to display data in beautiful galleries. Get ready to see the perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality as your app comes to life.

But there's more! Enter the remarkable world of collections, where internal data sources shine. These collections, like versatile actors on a stage, take on a tabular form, existing solely within your app. They respond dynamically to user input, creating an unparalleled user experience.

Finally, we reveal the secrets of efficient data handling, empowering you to manage vast and intricate datasets with ease. Discover the art of delegation and experience the perfect balance between power and performance as your app processes and manipulates large volumes of data efficiently.