Perform operations with the Dataverse Web API

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.

1. Authenticate with the 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.

2. Retrieve Records:

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.

3. Create Records:

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.

4. Update Records:

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.

5. Delete Records:

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.

6. Perform Upserts:

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.

7. Execute Actions and Functions:

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.