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Moving my multi page canvas app from development environment to production environment

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Posted on 9 Dec 2024 08:58:43 by agorkemt

Hello,

I finally finished my 1st multipage canvas application with SQL server Database.

The app is in development environment and I let the users test the app with version naming for example App_Production_Test_version1 , 2, 3 etc. and sharing the app with the testing team composed of 3 people. Then I create a new version of the app with save as and name it as App_Development_version1, 2, 3 etc. and continue development. When the development step is finished, i create a new version testing for production and share it with the testing team again, and this continues like this.

Now I have to transfer the app to a production environment but I have never did it before. I do need help with it.

1- how can I create a production environment?

2- when i move the app to production environment, the connection to SQL server database will break or still be in use?

3- Should I develop another SQL Server Database just for production or Truncate (Delete) tables and continue using the same Database should be enough?

4-In model driven apps I experienced the security and user roles but in canvas apps how it is possible to determine the roles and security for the users?

Thanks in advance

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VishalGurav 15 on 09 Dec 2024 at 10:00:35

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Moving my multi page canvas app from development environment to production environment

@agorkemt

The question you have asked can't be answered with just one post. You need to build a comprehensive Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) process for your development and deployment. Today, you might be developing a single app, but as your app goes through enhancements or you develop more apps, the current process will become tedious to manage.

Here are some high-level pointers to build a robust ALM process:

1. Avoid Multiple Copies of the App in the Same Environment for Testing

Having multiple versions can lead to confusion and errors. Instead, maintain a clear structure with distinct environments for development, testing, and production.

2. Utilize Export and Import Facilities over "Save As"

The "Save As" option might seem convenient, but it can disrupt your app's consistency and lead to mismanagement. Exporting and importing ensures that all components are correctly bundled and transferred.

Exporting your app packages all artifacts into a ZIP file, making it easy to import into the target environment. This method supports continuous app enhancements without disrupting existing functionalities.

3. Develop Within Solutions

Using Solutions as containers for your app development brings numerous benefits. Solutions allow for better management of dependencies and versioning, making your ALM process much smoother. More information can be found https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/data-platform/solutions-overview

4. Seamless Transition from Testing to Production

Once your testing and acceptance processes are completed, importing the same package into production ensures consistency and reliability. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your app.

5. Access Requirements for Creating New Environments

As you correctly noted, you'll need "Power Platform Administrator" access to create new environments. You can do this by navigating to http://admin.powerplatform.microsoft.com/

6. Security and Roles

Dataverse security roles are tailored for Model-Driven Apps, providing a robust way to manage permissions and access within those apps. For Canvas Apps, the approach involves leveraging Security Groups and the Office 365 Groups Connector with conditional access logic to validate the users.

If you feel that this answer's your question, do not forget to mark it ans "Answer".
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timl 34,941 Super User 2025 Season 1 on 09 Dec 2024 at 09:58:10

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Moving my multi page canvas app from development environment to production environment

Hi agorkemt

Here are some comments on your 4 questions

1. How can I create a production environment?

You can create a production environment through the Power Platform admin center.

From here, you would select Environments from the left-hand navigation pane and click New.

2. When I move the app to the production environment, will the connection to the SQL server database break or still be in use?
When you move your app to a production environment, you will need to create the SQL Server connection.

3. Should I develop another SQL Server Database just for production or truncate (delete) tables and continue using the same database?

I suggest that you create another database for production. This would enable you to test and develop your development app in a separate database after you deploy to production (eg, if you need to develop the app further or develop bug fixes).

4. In model-driven apps, I experienced the security and user roles, but in canvas apps, how is it possible to determine the roles and security for the users?

If you setup your SQL connection using Entra/AAD authentication, you can use table permissions in SQL to allow/restrict what users can do.