@CindyZ
Yep...here it is. It was only 4 tabs deep in my list of catch up work.
So yes, Patch has its place, but if you have an easier method (i.e. the form) then go for simple! Patch patches records together. Interestingly enough I don't see many conceptually using it for that purpose it was intended for, but rather "it is how you write stuff to a datasource". Anyway, that's a side story.
I would recommend watching my comprehensive video on Forms that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about them and things you might have never imagined you could do with them. It will show you how to really make a form look exactly like you want and how to even separate out the power of the EditForm from the visual of the form (which is, as you say, kind of ugly with the spacing). It's a long video, but there is a table of contents to get to key parts of interest.
Also, everyone uses collections and variables - avoid them at all costs!! (not to say they don't have their place, but people overuse them and, there is where you start dealing with complicated app formulas, issues with data, and just a royal pain to deal with). Keep this in mind...a datasource IS a collection! So, unless there is a compelling reason to use a collection, leave it in your toolbox for when it is really necessary. We have tons of complex apps and in most you will find no collections and very few (if any) variables. They are not needed and even the PowerApps docs warn you to not use unless really needed - and take my word, there are times when they are needed. BUT, you will find tons of "learning" stuff out there - I find a good 80-90% is really poor advice. Most talk about a variable for this or a collection for that, timers to do something that is already automatic, ForAll used as a loop to create a collection in a collection from a collection...etc, etc...I could rattle on. Most represent the presenter has not mastered the platform. This is why I've devoted time to do videos that are all about the REAL simplicity of PowerApps and how to nail an app in as little time as possible with the smallest amount of formulas etc. I will give a hint - Think Excel!!! Anyway, it is just an issue of finding time to do the videos. And...I'm not trying to puff myself up, just stating that the ways people go about things is just so very wrong and complex, when the solution is so simple.
As for strategy - Yes, there are ALWAYS design choices you have to make. In regard to the multiple forms vs multiple apps, I balance it between two things:
1) Do I have the same functionality that I would have to duplicate in the apps? If so, then one app as you don't ever want to have to deal with a formula more than once...that means even - NO copy/paste of MEANINGFUL formulas ever! (highly simple formulas for things like positioning, etc. are okay)
2) Does the impact of multiple datasources play a role in performance in some way that I can't block it? If so, then multiple apps, if not, then one app and block.
Actually Microsoft does promote the simplicity of PowerApps, but they provide sample templates and guidance that is *poorly* done to really emphasize the simplicity. AND many people are coming to PowerApps with a developer mindset...PowerApps is NOT development! The more developer you are, the more trouble you will have. You have to drop the hat at the door. Again...think Excel!! It's all about formulas! PowerApps is best suited for Excel Power Users (not people that make worksheets look pretty, but people that can crank out a formula in a cell like it is nothing).
So...tasty can of worms opened! 😉
Now, back to the story!
Yes, this is why, as I read through your original post and reply, I wondered why not just use an EditForm where all of this is done for you so easily.
As for the collections, I would say get rid of them as much as you can, you don't need them in the way. I was referring more to whatever the collection was that you had on the Items property. What is it? What formula defines it?
As for the other collection, again, consider dropping the collection - what is the formula for that one? You seem to indicate it is complex...explain more on that.
Now for the Gallery...yes, very basic.
So the reality is, a simple Gallery like you have can feed an EditForm completely with what it needs and all the Patch work is eliminated that you are doing and we can certainly incorporate the dropdowns into the form (in fact, the form will do that for you in most cases - watch the video).
So, first, sorry for the delay in response and let me know what your thoughts are. If you any questions...bounce them at me.
And - happy holidays!
