Background
To understand this topic, we’ll go word-by-word:
Low-Code is a type of software development that allows users to create applications with minimal coding effort. However, it offers much more than just this basic definition. It not only helps businesses adapt quickly and securely to constantly changing demands and stay competitive but also enables developers to maximize their time and resources effectively.
Dataverse is a robust, globally accessible SaaS data service from Microsoft that serves as the backbone of Power Apps development. It features a standard set of tables and the option to create custom tables, making it perfect for securely storing and managing data for business applications. With Dataverse, you can streamline data management and enhance your app development process effectively.
A plug-in is a small software component that enhances an existing app or website by adding new features. It allows users to customize their digital experience and improve functionality with ease.
So, what are these “Low-Code Dataverse Plug-ins”?
These are reusable server-based synchronous logic which can run on demand (Instant Plug-ins) or respond to a Dataverse data event (Automated Plug-ins).
Why server-side?
There are many advantages of using a server-side logic, to list a few:
1. Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data or processes.
2. Faster processing time.
3. Consistency in the application of business rules.
4. Easier to maintain and update.
5. Scalable and better performance.
Let’s Dive In
Now we are ready to dive into the world of Low-Code plug-ins.
Currently, these plug-ins are a preview feature and can be created from the Dataverse Accelerator App, a Microsoft Power Platform – Power App. If the Dataverse Accelerator App isn't installed in your environment, follow the steps outlined here.
The Dataverse Accelerator app interface includes options for creating either Instant or Automated plug-ins.
Let’s build an Instant Plug-in
Beforehand, I created a simple model-driven app called the “Course Management App,” which includes three tables:
1. Courses
2. Subjects
3. Students
Currently, each course can accommodate an unlimited number of subjects and students.
We will create an instant plug-in to calculate the total number of subjects associated with a specific course, as illustrated in the screenshot below. Later, we will consume this plug-in from an automated plug-in to populate the “Number of Subjects” field.
Let’s build an Automated Plug-in
This plug-in will utilize the previously created instant plug-in to compute and fill the “Number of Subjects” field in the Course Table. The plug-in will appear as shown in the screenshot below:
In the highlighted section, we are utilizing the global instant plug-in that we created earlier, providing the input parameter in curly brackets {} and retrieving the output parameter using dot notation (.).
Unlike C# plugins, these plugins do not provide Associate or Dissociate data events.
To test this plug-in, we will add a third subject to the course and refresh the form. The screenshot provided below shows that the “Number of Subjects” field has been updated to 3.
Let’s build another Automated Plug-in
For simplicity, we will assume that any course cannot have more than three subjects at a time. To achieve this, we are constructing an automated plug-in with the following details:
When we attempt to add a fourth subject to the course, an error will be prompted, halting the process.
Note: Unlike C# plug-ins, these plug-ins cannot be executed during the pre-validation phase.
Why choose Low-Code Plug-ins?
1. Faster Development: Low-code plugins speed up development cycles by providing pre-built components and visual interfaces, allowing for quicker deployment and iteration.
2. Cost Efficiency: They reduce the need for extensive coding knowledge and specialized developers, lowering costs and increasing productivity.
3. Ease of Integration: Low-code platforms offer seamless integration with existing systems and services, enhancing collaboration and reducing IT backlogs.
When to choose Low-Code Plug-ins?
1. Rapid Prototyping: Ideal for quickly testing ideas or building minimal viable products (MVPs).
2. Simple to Medium Complexity Tasks: Suitable for automating workflows, managing data, or creating custom applications without complex logic.
3. Non-Technical Users: Empowers business users to create applications independently, reducing reliance on IT for routine tasks.
In conclusion, Low-code plugins in Dataverse allow businesses to extend functionality, automate processes, and integrate external services—without writing extensive code.