Import definitions from existing APIs including Open API definitions, Azure services, and GitHub

Introduction

The Microsoft Power Platform Developer exam assesses your proficiency in building solutions using the Power Platform. One essential skill for a developer is the ability to import definitions from existing APIs. This feature allows you to leverage the power of external services like Open API definitions, Azure services, and GitHub within the Power Platform ecosystem. In this article, we will explore the processes involved in importing these definitions, relying solely on the knowledge provided by Microsoft’s official documentation.

Importing Open API Definitions

Open API (formerly Swagger) is a widely adopted specification for designing, building, and documenting RESTful APIs. As a Power Platform Developer, you might need to integrate with existing API endpoints defined using Open API specifications. To import Open API definitions into the Power Platform, follow these steps:

1. Open the Power Platform.
2. Navigate to the Solutions section and open the solution where you want to import the definitions.
3. Select the “Connectors” tab and click on “Import a Custom Connector.”
4. Choose the option to “Import an OpenAPI file” and provide the necessary file or URL.
5. Complete the import wizard, providing additional information about connections and security if required.
6. Verify and test the imported definitions by creating or modifying actions, triggers, or APIs that utilize the imported connector.

By importing Open API definitions into the Power Platform, you can seamlessly utilize external API capabilities within your solutions.

Importing Azure Services

Microsoft Azure offers a vast array of services that can be leveraged within the Power Platform. To import Azure service definitions, such as Logic Apps, Custom APIs, or Azure Functions, follow these steps:

1. Open the Power Platform and navigate to the Solutions section.
2. Select the desired solution where you want to import the Azure services.
3. Choose the “Connectors” tab and click on “Import a Custom Connector.”
4. Opt for the “Import from Azure” option to automatically import Azure services by selecting the appropriate service type.
5. Follow the prompts to sign in with your Azure account and authorize the Power Platform to access the required resources.
6. Complete the import process by selecting the desired Azure service and configuring the necessary details.

Upon successful import, you can start using the imported Azure services within your Power Platform solutions, streamlining and extending their functionalities.

Importing from GitHub

GitHub, a popular platform for version control and code collaboration, seamlessly integrates with the Power Platform Developer tools. By importing definitions directly from GitHub repositories, you can incorporate code or assets shared by the community or your own projects. Here’s how to import from GitHub:

1. Open the Power Platform and navigate to the Solutions section.
2. Open the desired solution in which you wish to import GitHub assets.
3. Select the “Data” tab and click on “Import.”
4. Choose the “GitHub (Preview)” option to connect to a GitHub repository.
5. Provide the required details, such as repository name, path, branch, and authentication method (SSH or OAuth).
6. Complete the import process by selecting the specific assets or folders you want to import.
7. Validate the imported assets and proceed with customizing or extending them within your solutions.

By integrating GitHub repositories with the Power Platform, you gain access to a wealth of community-driven resources and can accelerate your development process.

Conclusion

As a Microsoft Power Platform Developer, the ability to import definitions from existing APIs is crucial for building comprehensive solutions. Whether utilizing Open API definitions, Azure services, or GitHub resources, the Power Platform provides seamless integration options to enhance your productivity and extend platform capabilities. By following the steps outlined in Microsoft’s official documentation, you can harness the full potential of these external resources and unlock a whole new level of customization and innovation within the Power Platform.