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Globally Replace a Data Source

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Posted on by Pegger

I have developed an app that is connected to a few SharePoint lists. I want to make a copy of the app and direct it to copies of those SharePoint lists to create a "test" environment of sorts.

How can I globally reconnect/replace the data connections in the app so that all controls/code is correctly updated in the "test" version of the app to connect to the "test" SharePoint lists?

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WarrenBelz 156,454 Most Valuable Professional on at

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@Pegger ,

You need to disconnect (remove from your Data Sources) the "old" lists and then connect the "new" lists. You will know if this has worked as you will get the "red dot" code error at top right when you disconnect, which should disappear when you add the new ones.

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Pegger 84 on at

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@WarrenBelz
Thanks for that. Will this work when the new lists will have different names than the previous ones? The structure and column names will be the same but the list names will differ. See examples below...
OLD LIST NAME: Transactions
NEW LIST NAME: Transactions_TEST

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WarrenBelz 156,454 Most Valuable Professional on at

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HI @Pegger ,

No it will not - the lists need to be identical in both file name and file content for any field that is referenced anywhere in the app.

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Pegger 84 on at

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That's brutal and will cost me a few hours of non-value add work. There are references in hundreds of controls to several SharePoint lists. Are there any hacks to solve for this? Exporting the app out of power apps and globally replacing the list names?

Alternatively, I may be able to get a new SharePoint site set up with the same exact list names. Would that work?

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WarrenBelz 156,454 Most Valuable Professional on at

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@Pegger ,

Option 2 is clearly the choice. Any time you have prod and test data sources and want to move an app around, it needs to "recognise" the data. As mentioned, Power Apps does not care where it is located as long as whatever it is given aligns with any references it has to the data.

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WarrenBelz 156,454 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi @Pegger ,

Just checking if you got the result you were looking for on this thread. Happy to help further if not.

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Pegger 84 on at

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Hi @WarrenBelz
We were able to successfully put a copy of the SharePoint lists on a different site with the same names, then copy the Power App, and replace the data connections.

Now I am trying to solve a different problem with the same test environment. As we continue to upgrade the "production" application, I don't want to have to then make those same changes to the test version. However, if I just save as copy and replace the old one, I am concerned I with either or both:
1) Lose all of the shares already set up (so I have to re-share the test app to all users every time there is an update)
2) The link to the app will change, confusing my user base for the test application because the link changes every time

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

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WarrenBelz 156,454 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi @Pegger ,

Covering your two questions

Lose all of the shares already set up (so I have to re-share the test app to all users every time there is an update)

You can choose the "update" option in the export and import file, meaning the shares should stay. Also if you use security-enabled 0365 Groups for sharing, you can share both the SharePoint List and the Power App with the Group, meaning you only have one share to deal with.

The link to the app will change, confusing my user base for the test application because the link changes every time

Using option 1 above, this will not happen. Also if SharePoint sharing is set at Site level, replacing the list will not be an issue.

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Pegger 84 on at

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Thanks @WarrenBelz
I will try both of these. Going to close this thread for now, but will use it again if I have more questions on the same topic. Thanks again!

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