The Power Platform is a powerful suite of tools that allows developers to build robust and scalable applications. However, to become an advanced Power Platform Developer, you need to understand the platform and its various components. In this blog post, we will list 19 advanced Power Platform techniques that every developer should learn and explain why they are essential.
1. Solutions
Solutions are a way to package and deploy customizations and configurations in the Power Platform. As an advanced Power Platform Developer, you should be familiar with solutions, including creating, importing, and exporting solutions.
Example: You are building a Power App for a client. You can package and deploy your customizations to the client’s environment quickly and efficiently using solutions.
2. PowerShell
PowerShell is a scripting language that allows developers to automate tasks within the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with PowerShell scripting, including using cmdlets and scripting everyday tasks.
Example: You are building a Power Automate flow that requires automating tasks outside the Power Platform. By using PowerShell, you can automate tasks such as creating files or sending emails.
3. Coding Skills
Coding is essential for building complex and customized applications within the Power Platform. As an advanced Power Platform Developer, you should be familiar with coding languages such as C#, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
Example: You are building a Power App that requires complex business logic. By using coding languages such as C# or JavaScript, you can create custom functionality that meets your application’s requirements.
4. Architectural skills
Architectural skills are crucial for designing and building scalable and maintainable Power Platform applications. As an advanced Power Platform Developer, you should be familiar with architectural patterns such as MVC, MVVM, and n-tier architecture.
Example: You are building a Power App that requires scalability and maintainability. Using architectural patterns such as MVVM, you can create a design that separates your application’s concerns and makes it easier to maintain and scale.
5. Dataverse
Dataverse is a data storage and management service built into the Power Platform. As an advanced Power Platform Developer, you should be familiar with the Dataverse, including creating entities, relationships, and custom connectors.
Example: You are building a Power App that requires data storage and management. You can create custom entities and relationships that meet your application’s requirements using the Dataverse.
6. Custom connectors
Custom connectors allow developers to create custom APIs that can be used within the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with creating custom connectors, including authentication and creating custom actions.
Example: You are building a Power App that requires integration with a custom API. Using custom connectors, you can create a custom API that can be used within the Power Platform.
7. Azure Functions
Azure Functions allow developers to create serverless applications that can be used within the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with Azure Functions, including creating and deploying functions.
Example: You are building a Power Automate flow that requires custom functionality. By using Azure Functions, you can create custom functions that can be used within your Power Automate flow.
8. Custom APIs
Custom APIs allow developers to create custom APIs that can be used within the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with creating custom APIs, including authentication and creating custom actions.
Example: You are building a Power App that requires integration with a custom API. Using custom APIs, you can create a custom API that can be used within the Power Platform.
9. AI Builder
AI Builder is a tool within the Power Platform that allows developers to build AI models without requiring extensive machine learning knowledge. As an advanced Power Platform Developer, you should be familiar with AI Builder, including creating and using AI models.
Example: You are building a Power App requiring an AI sentiment analysis model. Using AI Builder, you can create a custom AI model for your Power App.
10. Custom connectors with OAuth authentication
Custom Connectors allow developers to connect to external systems and services within the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with Custom Connectors, including building and using them.
OAuth authentication is a secure way to authenticate custom connectors within the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with custom connectors with OAuth authentication, including creating and configuring them.
Example: You are building a custom connector that requires secure authentication. By using OAuth authentication, you can create a secure custom connector that can be used within the Power Platform.
11. Power Apps Component Framework
The Power Apps Component Framework allows developers to build custom controls for Canvas and Model-driven apps. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with the Power Apps Component Framework, including building and deploying custom controls.
Example: You are building a custom control for a Power App that requires specific functionality. You can build a custom control that meets your application’s requirements using the Power Apps Component Framework.
12. Power Platform CLI
The Power Platform CLI allows developers to build and deploy Power Platform solutions from the command line. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with the Power Platform CLI, including building and deploying solutions using the command line.
Example: You are working on a project where you need to deploy Power Platform solutions to multiple environments. Using the Power Platform CLI, you can build and deploy solutions from the command line, saving time and streamlining the deployment process.
14. Authentication and Authorization
Knowing how to authenticate and Authorize your solutions is essential for building secure applications within the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with Authentication and Authorization techniques, including OAuth and Active Directory.
Example: You are building an application that requires secure authentication and authorization. By using OAuth and Active Directory, you can build a secure application that meets your organization’s security requirements.
15. ALM and DevOps
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and DevOps are essential for building and deploying Power Platform solutions in a structured and organized manner. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with ALM and DevOps techniques, including using source control and automating builds and deployments.
Example: You are working on a project where you need to deploy Power Platform solutions to multiple environments. By using ALM and DevOps techniques, you can build and deploy solutions in a structured and organized manner, which can reduce errors and improve efficiency.
16. SharePoint integration
SharePoint integration allows developers to integrate SharePoint with the Power Platform. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with SharePoint integration, including configuring and customizing SharePoint integration.
Example: You are building an application that requires integration with SharePoint. You can integrate SharePoint with the Power Platform and provide a seamless user experience by using SharePoint integration.
17. Power Platform governance
Power Platform governance is essential for managing the use of the Power Platform within an organization. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with Power Platform governance, including implementing and enforcing governance policies.
Example: You are working on a project where you need to ensure that the use of the Power Platform within your organization complies with governance policies. By implementing Power Platform governance, you can ensure that the use of the Power Platform complies with organizational policies and regulations.
18. Azure Cognitive Services
Azure Cognitive Services provide a set of APIs and tools for building intelligent applications. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with Azure Cognitive Services, including building and using them within the Power Platform.
Example: You are building an application that requires intelligent capabilities, such as natural language processing or image recognition. Using Azure Cognitive Services within the Power Platform, you can build an intelligent application that provides a better user experience.
19. Solution upgrade and patching
Solution upgrade and patching is essential for maintaining and updating Power Platform solutions. An advanced Power Platform Developer should be familiar with solution upgrade and patching techniques, including identifying and addressing compatibility issues.
Example: You are working on a project where you need to update a Power Platform solution to a new version. Using solution upgrade and patching techniques, you can ensure that the updated solution is compatible with the existing solution and any customizations made.
Conclusion
Becoming an advanced Power Platform Developer requires a broad range of skills and techniques, including both technical and non-technical skills. From building custom controls and using TypeScript to implementing governance policies and upgrading solutions, an advanced Power Platform Developer must be familiar with various skills and techniques to succeed.
By focusing on these 19 advanced Power Platform techniques and continuously learning and improving, you can become an expert in the Power Platform and deliver high-quality solutions that meet your organization’s needs.