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Performing operations with the Dataverse Web API is a crucial aspect of developing solutions as a Microsoft Power Platform Developer. The Web API allows you to interact with data stored in Dataverse, enabling you to create, read, update, and delete records. In this article, we will explore the essential operations you can perform using the Dataverse Web API.
Before performing any operations, you need to authenticate with the Web API. The recommended approach is to use Azure AD authentication. You can register an application in Azure AD, obtain the client ID and client secret, and utilize the OAuth 2.0 authorization code grant flow to authenticate and acquire an access token for subsequent requests.
To retrieve records from Dataverse, you can use the GET
request with the appropriate endpoint. For example, to retrieve a specific record, you need to specify the entity logical name and the record’s unique identifier in the request URL. You can also retrieve multiple records based on query criteria by using the Web API’s query options.
Creating records in Dataverse involves sending a POST
request to the relevant entity’s endpoint. You should include the record data in the request body, following the entity’s schema. This allows you to populate all mandatory fields and provide values for optional fields. After the record is created successfully, the Web API responds with the newly created record’s unique identifier.
To update existing records, you can utilize the PATCH
request. You need to specify the entity logical name and the record’s unique identifier in the request URL. The request body should contain the fields you want to update along with their new values. It is important to note that you must include at least one field to be updated in the request body; otherwise, the Web API will respond with an error.
Deleting records is performed using the DELETE
request. Similar to updating records, you need to specify the entity logical name and the record’s unique identifier in the request URL. Upon successful deletion, the Web API responds with a 204 No Content status code.
Upserts allow you to create or update records based on certain criteria. By using the MERGE
request, you can send a single request to create a record if it doesn’t exist or update it if it does. This is determined by specifying a unique identifier or a combination of fields that act as a unique identifier in the request URL. The request body should contain the fields and their values to be created or updated.
Actions and functions in Dataverse allow you to execute custom business logic. You can use the POST
request to execute an action or a function. The request URL should include the logical name of the action or function along with any required parameters. Additionally, you can pass values using the request body or URL query parameters, depending on the requirements of the action or function.
These are some of the primary operations you can perform using the Dataverse Web API. By leveraging these operations, you can build powerful solutions that interact with and manipulate data stored in Dataverse. Make sure to refer to the Microsoft documentation for detailed information on the Web API endpoints, request payloads, and response structures to utilize the full potential of the Dataverse Web API in your Power Platform Developer exams.
Correct answer: b) POST
Correct answer: c) 1000
Correct answer: d) DataServiceVersion
Correct answer: c) $select
Correct answer: a) $orderby
Correct answer: a) PATCH /api/data/v9.1/accounts(123456)
Correct answer: b) 204
Correct answer: a) $skip
Correct answer: b) Content-Type
Correct answer: c) Send a GET request to /api/data/v9.1/$metadata
39 Replies to “Perform operations with the Dataverse Web API”
Is it possible to use the Web API for complex entity relationships?
Yes, Dataverse Web API supports complex entity relationships through navigation properties and $expand queries.
I have trouble with CORS when using the Web API.
Ensure your application is configured to allow cross-origin requests and that you have included the proper headers.
Awesome post!
Thanks for this post.
I’m looking for a way to improve response times in my API calls.
Consider optimizing your queries using $select to return only the necessary fields and $filter to limit the data set.
Great blog post! Helped me understand how to perform CRUD operations with the Dataverse Web API.
Thanks, this article is a lifesaver!
Having issues with the impersonation feature. Any troubleshooting tips?
Make sure the account you’re impersonating has the sufficient permissions to perform the actions you’re attempting.
This tutorial could use more examples on error handling.
What’s the best practice for handling large datasets?
Consider using $skip and $top for pagination and limit the number of records returned in one request.
Can I use JavaScript to call the Dataverse Web API?
Absolutely! You can use libraries like Axios or even fetch API to make calls from JavaScript.
Good read! Helped me a lot.
I’m facing issues while trying to authenticate using OAuth. Any suggestions?
Double-check your app registration in Azure AD and make sure you’ve granted the necessary API permissions.
This walkthrough was exactly what I needed!
How do I set up custom actions in the Web API?
You need to define your custom action in Dataverse and then you can call it using a POST request in the Web API.
I need some help with pagination in Dataverse Web API.
Look into using the $top and @odata.nextLink for handling pagination effectively.
Is there any way to execute batch operations asynchronously?
There’s no built-in async batch processing in the Web API itself, but you can implement async calls in your application logic to handle multiple requests concurrently.
Can someone explain the use of $expand in Dataverse Web API queries?
Sure! The $expand option allows you to request related entities as part of a query, similar to how joins work in SQL.
Any recommendations for testing Web API calls?
Postman is great for testing. You can create and execute API calls and check the responses directly.
What are the performance implications of using $filter in queries?
Using $filter can improve performance by reducing the amount of data returned by the query.
This helped clarify a lot of my doubts. Much appreciated!
What’s the difference between OData and REST endpoints in Dataverse?
OData is a standard protocol for building and consuming RESTful APIs. The Dataverse Web API follows this standard to support querying and modifying data.
When performing a batch operation, what’s the best way to handle transaction rollbacks?
Use the ChangeSet approach. If any request in the ChangeSet fails, none of the changes are applied.
I think using the Web API for data integration is a game-changer.