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Table of Contents
In the world of Microsoft Power Platform development, there are various options available when it comes to managing data tables. Each option serves a specific purpose and understanding the differences between them is crucial for successful application development. In this article, we will explore the use cases for standard tables, virtual tables, and connectors, enabling you to determine when to utilize each one effectively.
Standard tables provide a traditional approach to managing data within the Power Platform. These tables are created as physical entities within the Common Data Service (CDS) or Dataverse, allowing developers to define the schema, columns, and relationships. Standard tables are an ideal choice when:
Virtual tables bring a new dimension to data management in the Power Platform. Unlike standard tables, virtual tables are not physical entities and do not store data in the CDS. Instead, they utilize a querying mechanism to fetch data dynamically from external sources. Virtual tables are a suitable choice when:
Connectors act as bridges between the Power Platform and various external services, applications, or data sources. They offer pre-built APIs or connectors that simplify integration without the need for custom development. Connectors are a practical choice when:
When it comes to Microsoft Power Platform development and data management, understanding the distinctions between standard tables, virtual tables, and connectors is essential. By carefully considering your requirements, you can determine the appropriate choice for your application. Whether it’s the formal structure and persistent storage offered by standard tables, the dynamic querying of external data through virtual tables, or the seamless integration with external systems via connectors, Microsoft Power Platform provides a rich set of tools to empower developers in managing their data effectively.
Correct answer: True
Correct answer: a) When you need to store and manage large volumes of data
Correct answer: a) When you want to create a custom view of data from multiple tables
c) When you want to define calculated columns or measures for reporting purposes
Correct answer: True
Correct answer: d) When you want to integrate with external systems and services
Correct answer: False
Correct answer: b) Simplified data modeling by combining related entities into a single view
c) Flexibility to define calculated columns and measures
Correct answer: d) When you need to store and manage large volumes of data
Correct answer: False
Correct answer: a) To fetch data from an external database into the Power Platform
b) To trigger actions in external systems based on events in the Power Platform
c) To integrate with popular cloud services like Microsoft 365 and SharePoint
41 Replies to “Determine when to use standard tables, virtual tables, or connectors”
Can you integrate virtual tables with Power Automate?
Yes, virtual tables can be integrated with Power Automate, but be cautious of latency issues depending on the data source.
I appreciate the detailed explanations. Very helpful.
When should we use standard tables over virtual tables?
Standard tables are best for data that is managed within Dataverse itself, offering various built-in functionalities like workflows and business rules.
Agreed. Virtual tables should be used when you need to display data residing in external systems without physically storing it in Dataverse.
I need to display real-time financial data. Should I use virtual tables or connectors?
Virtual tables are generally better for real-time data as they provide a means to access external data in real time through a seamless interface within Dataverse.
I’m struggling to decide when to store data locally versus using virtual tables. Any advice?
Also, think about how often the data needs to be accessed. Local storage is better for high-frequency operations.
If data consistency and integrity are crucial, you should store data locally. For data that doesn’t change frequently or needs to be accessed from an external source, virtual tables are useful.
Can virtual tables support CRUD operations?
Virtual tables can support CRUD operations if the external data source allows it and the implementation is done correctly.
Make sure to configure the virtual table provider correctly to handle these operations.
Are there security concerns I should be aware of with virtual tables?
Yes, ensure that the external data source is secure and that access controls are properly set up to prevent unauthorized access.
Great post! I learned a lot.
In what scenarios should we specifically avoid using virtual tables?
Virtual tables should be avoided when transactional integrity and complex joins are required, as they can be limited in these areas compared to standard tables.
What type of data access scenarios are ideal for standard tables?
Standard tables are ideal for scenarios where data integrity, transaction management, and extensive relational capabilities are required.
For a beginner, the differences between these options are quite confusing.
It can be confusing initially. Start by understanding your data source and requirements, then choose accordingly. Standard tables for internal data, virtual tables for external real-time data, and connectors for external services.
What’s the impact on licensing when using connectors?
Additionally, some standard connectors also have limits on the amount of data they can handle before additional costs are incurred.
Using premium connectors may require additional licensing costs. Always check your subscription details.
Are there any limitations on the size of data when using virtual tables?
Yes, virtual tables are limited by the performance and capacity of the external data source they’re linked to.
This blog post doesn’t explain much about authentication methods for connectors. Can someone elaborate?
Authentication for connectors can be handled through OAuth, API keys, or Windows Authentication, depending on the service you’re connecting to.
Can someone provide some real-world use cases for each type: standard tables, virtual tables, and connectors?
Sure. Standard tables are best for CRM data. Virtual tables can be used for integrating IoT device data in real-time. Connectors are useful for integrating with external services like SharePoint or SQL databases.
The post was mostly good, but it could have been more detailed.
Does anyone have a best practice guide for implementing these in an enterprise application?
Best practices include using standard tables for core data, virtual tables for real-time integration with legacy systems, and connectors for external services that don’t need real-time integration.
Can someone explain the performance implications of connectors versus virtual tables?
Connectors can sometimes introduce latency because data is pulled from an external source only when needed. Virtual tables might offer better performance for read operations, but it depends on how they’re implemented.
Also, consider caching strategies with connectors for frequently accessed data to mitigate performance issues.
It’s not clear to me how to set up a custom connector. Can anyone provide a simplified process?
Creating a custom connector involves defining the API endpoint, authentication, and actions. Start by using the Power Platform’s custom connector wizard to guide you through the process.
This blog post helped me understand the basics. Thanks!