Variable Types and Best Practice?

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Posted on by OneThing

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Hi All,

Quick Question. I understand the in PowerApps we can use the following variable types:

Global Variable (Set()) that can be used anywhere in the app.
Context Variable(UpdateContext()) Local to the Screen
Collection (Collect()) Table Records used globally.

My Main Question is what is the benefits of using a Context Variable and passing it to another screen using Navigate() over using a global variable in the first place? Is there a performance gain?

At the moment I seem to using Global for all except for a temporary or counter value. I'm not sure if there is even a reason not to use Global for everything. Is there any notion of a best practice for variables?

Thanks,
Nicky

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Building Power Apps

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v-xida-msft Microsoft Employee on at

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Hi @OneThing,

I think your thought is proper. Using a Global variable (using Set() function) has a better performance than Context variable (using UpdateContext() function) within a canvas app.

It is a performance tip for canvas app that, to pass the app’s state from one screen to another, create or modify a global variable value by using the Set function instead of by using the Navigate and UpdateContext) functions.

Please check the following article for more details:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/maker/canvas-apps/performance-tips#use-global-variables

Best regards,

Kris

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OneThing 393 on at

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Hi Kris,

Thanks for the feedback and especially the link. I've never seen this page, and there are a few questions I've had regarding performance, that this has given me more information on.

Many Thanks,
Nicky

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MichelH 401 on at

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The UpdateContext function is not mentioned on the page suggested by Kris.
I wonder what the performance of Set vs UpdateContext is.

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