Guide to Custom Components in PowerApps

Sep 2, 2024

Notes on Building Custom Components for PowerApps

Introduction

  • Speaker: Greg Hellman, member of PowerApps product team.
  • Focus: Building custom UI components in PowerApps using PowerApps Component Framework (PCF).

PowerApps Component Framework Overview

  • Mission: Empower every developer to achieve more.
  • Target Audience: Both citizen developers and traditional developers (e.g., JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS).
  • PCF: Unified framework for creating controls in both model-driven and canvas apps.
    • Supports both environments, has performance improvements, reliability, and diagnostics.
    • Built originally for Dynamics, now available for PowerApps.

Key Features of PCF

  1. Manifest File: XML file defining control properties, including:
    • Control name and version
    • Exposed properties
    • Resource files (CSS, localization, images)
  2. CLI Support: Command Line Interface for project scaffolding, building, and debugging.
  3. Component Types:
    • Components: Low-code, using out-of-the-box controls.
    • Code Components: Built using HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript for custom UI experiences.

Building Custom Components

  • Step 1: Set up development environment
    • Install Node.js, .NET Framework 4.6.2, Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code.
  • Step 2: Create a new project using PCF CLI commands.
  • Step 3: Define UI elements and their behaviors.
  • Step 4: Implement logic in JavaScript/TypeScript.

Components Structure

  • Manifest File: Defines control structure, properties, and resources.
  • Code Files: Contains logic for component behavior.
  • CSS Files: Provides styling for UI components.

Development Workflow

  1. Use CLI to initialize the project and install necessary packages.
  2. Create and edit the manifest file to define your component's properties.
  3. Develop the component's functionality in the index.ts file.
  4. Build and run tests using the provided CLI commands.
  5. Deploy components to PowerApps using solutions.

Deployment of Components

  • Package the component into a solution.
  • Import the solution into PowerApps through the maker portal.
  • Use the component in canvas apps or model-driven apps.

Testing and Debugging

  • Use the local debug harness for testing the component's UI.
  • Leverage browser developer tools to debug functionality.
  • Monitor updates and interactions through console messages.

Resources and References

  • Documentation and community forums available for further assistance.
  • Suggested links for blogs, documentation, and community support provided by the speaker.