Course ElevatePreparing for a Power Apps interview can be a bit overwhelming, especially with the growing importance of low-code solutions in the business world. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just getting started, knowing the key concepts and practical applications of Power Apps is essential. In this post, I’ll walk you through the Top Power Apps Interview Questions you should be ready for in 2024.
And if you're looking for a more comprehensive guide, don't worry — I’ve got you covered! My book and course dive into 110 Power Apps Interview Questions, perfect for preparing for any Power Apps role. Let’s jump in!
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What is Power app?
PAAS : Power Apps is a Platform as a Service.(PAAS)
Low code Platform:
It is a rapid application development platform.Versatile:
User can create apps which run on mobile, tablet and desktop.User-friendly:
Power Apps provides a visual development environment that uses a drag- and-drop interface.Cross Platform:
It enables you to create mobile apps that run on different operating systems, such as Windows, iOS, and Android.
2. What is Platform as a service (PAAS)?
Platform as a service (PaaS) is a complete environment in the cloud where user can do development and deployment in the cloud itself.
In PAAS, Everything like Hardware, Software and Infrastructure is provided by service provider for developing, running and managing the applications.
3. What is the difference between IaaS, PaaS and SaaS?
IaaS - Infrastructure as a service: This is used by Network Architect. So here the service provider maintains and updates the backend infrastructure, such as servers, storage, networking, and virtualization. Examples: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google cloud etc.
PaaS – Platform as a Service: This is used by the developers to build the applications. Examples: Power apps, Oracle Cloud Platform, Zoho Creator etc.
SaaS - Software as a Service: This is used by the end users. Examples: Google Docs, Drop box or very popular one is the Netflix
4. Which Programming language is used by Power apps?
Microsoft Power-Fx is used as a programming language in Power apps. It is the low-code language for the Power Platform. It is strongly typed and declarative language. Power Fx, however, is inspired by Excel and in Excel we don't just write expressions, we write formulas for how to calculate a specific cell's value.
5. What is the difference between a Model-driven app and a Canvas app?
Model Driven Apps: - As name suggests, it is basically driven by Model which is database .This app is also called as Data Driven app. This app allows you to quickly add components E.g. Dashboards, Charts, forms, Business Process flow etc. in your app
Main difference between Model-driven app and Canvas app is described below.
You can creative responsive apps by using containers in Canvas apps as shown below.
6. Define common data services, and why should we use them?
CDS is now known as Data verses. To understand Data verse, lets first talks about data. The entire Power Platform service is centered on the data. With Power Apps we can perform Crud operations, with Power BI we can analyze data, with Automate we can create workflows automation around data, With Virtual Agent we can create chat bots which can interact with data. In respect to Power Platform data comes in two ways.
External Data – This data is in the form of connectors. It’s easy to connect and there is huge opportunity to connect various available data sources. Examples like SharePoint, SQL, google Drive etc.
Internal Data: This data can also be internal to Power platform. The internal data service that the power apps provide is known as Microsoft Data Verse.
Why to use data verse?
It’s smart and secure.
It easily structures a variety of data and business logic to support interconnected application.
With Data verse, we can store data in the cloud in the form of tables;
Let’s compare where connectors and data verse can be leveraged.
As you can observe:
• Canvas app can build with both connectors and Data verse.
• Model Driven apps and Portals can be built only with Data verse.
• Powers automate works for both.
• AI builder works only with data verse.
• Power Bi and Power virtual Agent can connect with both of the options.
7. Can we access local network data sources in Power Apps? Or can we connect with local SQL Server using power apps?
Yes, we can easily connect to the local network data sources. Use on premises Data gateway for that.
The On-premises Data Gateway acts as a bridge to provide quick and secure data transfer between on-premises data (data that isn't in the cloud) and several Microsoft cloud services like Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Azure Analysis Services, and Azure Logic Apps.
You can download the on Premises data gateway from Microsoft site as shown below.
For a detailed walkthrough of “on premises data gateway”, watch "Connect Power apps with Local SQL Server" video from my Udemy course.
8. How can error handling be implemented in Power Apps?
Error Handling functions in Power Apps.
• If Error
• IsError
• IsBlankOrError
Formula Level Error Management: This must be enabled to use these functions. Below are the steps to enable formula Level Error Management.
Step1: Click on 3 Dots
Step 2: Under Settings ->in the upcoming Feature section-> Just Allow formula-level error management.
If Error: Here is the syntax of if Error
IfError( 1/x, 0 ) := 0 if x is zero otherwise 1/x is calculated
This formula returns 0 if the value of x is zero, If X isn't zero, and then 1/x is calculated and returned. Therefore divide by zero is handled by ifError function
Is Error: Here is the syntax of IsError Function
In this example:
If 1 / x produces an error (such as division by zero), the IsError function returns true, and the formula displays the message "Error occurred while calculating".
If 1 / x do not produce an error, the formula evaluates to 1 / x.
This allows you to handle potential errors gracefully within your Power Apps formulas.
IsblankOrError(Expression)
The IsBlankOrError function tests for either a blank value or an error value and the result of this function will be in true or false. In above example as X is 0 so 1/x will result to Divide by Zero error so output will be true because of the present error.
9. What is Power Apps collection?
A Power Apps collection is a way to store and manage data within your app. Collections are like temporary tables or lists that hold data in memory while your app is running.
We can implement collections with the help of 3 functions.
Collect
Clear
ClearCollect
Let see all the functions one by one
Syntax : Collect(CollectionName, item)
Where CollectionName: The name of the collection you want to add data to item: The record or data you want to add to the collection.
In above example I have created an item with 2 columns (Name and age) & provided values for 2 records.
Let see all the functions one by one
Syntax : Collect(CollectionName, item)
Where CollectionName: The name of the collection you want to add data to. item: The record or data you want to add to the collection.
Clear(CollectionName)
Below example clears all records from a collection named MyCollection
Clear(MyCollection)
ClearCollect(myCollection)
The ClearCollect function in Power Apps is used to clear the contents of a collection first and then populate it with new data. It's essentially a combination of the Clear and Collect functions. Syntax will be similar to collect function
Data Limitations
By default, this limit is set to 500, but you can increase it to a maximum of 2000 in the Settings tab -> Data Row Limit
10. What is power platform environment & how do you create different user environments in Power Apps?
As per Microsoft:
“A Power Platform environment is a space to store, manage, and share your organization's business data, apps, chat bots, and flows. It also serves as a container to separate apps that might have different roles, security requirements, or target audiences.”
How to create an Environment?
Go to: -> https://make.powerapps.com
Click on setting icon in top Right corner
Click on Admin Centre
Here you can see all the environments
Want to Prepare with All 110 Power Apps Interview Questions?
These top 10 questions give you a solid foundation, but if you’re serious about nailing that Power Apps interview, why stop here? I’ve compiled a list of 110 Power Apps Interview Questions that cover everything from the basics to advanced topics like custom connectors and Data verse integrations.
For the complete list of 110 questions, check out:
My Udemy Power Apps Interview Course — where you’ll get hands-on learning and real-world examples to crack the interview.
Or grab my [book on Amazon] https://shorturl.at/6SvyR)
for in-depth insights and practical advice.
Final Thoughts
Power Apps is a dynamic platform with a lot to offer, and being prepared for your interview can set you apart from other candidates. Remember, practice is key, so dive into the questions, build a few apps, and you’ll be more than ready!
Good luck, and don’t forget to check out my Udemy course or Amazon book for the full list of interview questions and much more!
