The Dataverse Advent Calendar - First Steps to Value

This page will contain all the assets for the 25-day series on Dataverse. These video series is best for makers who are comfortable working in Microsoft 365, and who are familiar with Power Apps. It has no other prerequisite, so anyone should be able to capture value. 

During the 25-day period this page will be updated with links to all the videos, and resources will be uploaded as well. Therefore, it would be wise to bookmark this page.

YouTube Playlist:

(1) Dataverse Advent Calendar - YouTube

0. Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZrIL...

Day 1: Dataverse Tour

Day 1 Resource Links:

• Environments: https://aka.ms/PAEnvironments
• Default Environments: https://aka.ms/PADefaultEnv

Day 2: New App Format (for Power Apps users who have not used Dataverse before)

Day 2 Resource Links: 

• App Types for Dataverse Users: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/guidance/planning/app-type 
• Model Driven Overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/model-driven-app-overview 

Day 3: Solutions 

Day 3 Resource Links:

• https://aka.ms/ALMSolutions 
• https://powerapps.microsoft.com/blog/use-the-innovation-backlog-to-manage-app-and-flow-ideas 
• https://aka.ms/CreatorKit 
• PowerApps911 did a video that I ADORE regarding ****how environment variables in solutions can help those of you building apps on top of SharePoint data****: Power Apps and Automate Solutions and Environment Variables for SharePoint - YouTube

Day 4: The Innovation Backlog Solution

Day 4 resources:

• Overview video from Manuela: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CMYTxvKhXk
• Overview of the entire CoE Starter Kit: https://aka.ms/CoEstarterKit
• Full overview of the Innovation Backlog Components: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/guidance/coe/innovationbacklog-components
• Understanding Solutions: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/solutions-overview
• Understanding the ALM Accelerator for Makers: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/guidance/coe/almacceleratorpowerplatform-components

Day 5: Tables
Day 5 Resources:

• Table Overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/entity-overview
• Table Types: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/types-of-entities

Day 6: Creating a Table
Day 6 Resource: 
Activity tables: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/developer/data-platform/activity-entities

Day 7: Special Column Types

Day 7 Resources:

• Types of Columns:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/types-of-fields
• File Storage Tips:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/free-storage-space
• Calculated & Roll-up Columns:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/training/modules/create-define-calculation-rollup-fields/
• Formula Columns:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/teams/formula-columns

MVP Video Tips (from Eric Entsie)

HUGE kudos to Eric for volunteering to help provide content related to the 25 days series!
1.Calculated Columns –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds-blnGjHPU
2.File and Image Columns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kkRwpzeKA4

Day 8: Table Relationships

Day 8 Resources:

• Table Relationships:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/create-edit-entity-relationships 
• Alternate keys (video):
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m35K6-qlCo4 
• Dataflow field mapping:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-query/dataflows/get-best-of-standard-dataflows 
• Dataverse to Dataverse OData Connector:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/developer/data-platform/dataverse-odata-dataflows-migration 

Day 9: Dataverse Table Views

Day 9 Resources

• Table Views: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/create-edit-views
• Filtered Views: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/create-edit-view-filters
• Sorting Views: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/configure-sorting
• Eric Entsie's video on views, also showing how to use Dataverse views in a Canvas app too!
  Views in Dataverse as used in Canvas and Model Driven App - YouTube

Day 10: Reusable Forms
Day 10 Resources:

• Form Types: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/types-forms 
• Creating Model Driven Forms: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/create-design-forms 
• MVP Blog: Get started with Dataverse Forms – Norm Young

Day 11: Building Model Driven Apps

Day 11 Resources:

• Model Driven Apps:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/model-driven-app-overview
• Regarding ALM:
  I will not be covering ALM in this series, but please check out these links if you want to deploy your solution to another environment or tenant:
• Solutions:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/solutions-overview
• Exporting Solutions:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/export-solutions
• 25 Days Solution version 1 with Model Driven App (link expires in 30 days)

Day 12: Building Custom Pages

Day 12 Resources

• Building Responsive Apps:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/canvas-apps/build-responsive-apps
• Custom Pages in Model Driven Apps:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/add-page-to-model-app
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/commanding-designer-use-custom-pages-as-dialogs
• Environment Security Groups:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/control-user-access
• Reza Dorrani, once MVP but now a member of the Microsoft Power CAT Team, made this AMAZING end-to-end demo with command customizations here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMopL0r8k3k 

Day 13: Building Canvas Apps

Day 13 Resources:

• Using Dataverse with Canvas Apps: https://powerapps.microsoft.com/blog/one-to-many-relationships-for-canvas-apps/ 
• PCF Component Framework: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/developer/component-framework/overview
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/developer/component-framework/component-framework-for-canvas-apps 
• Creator Kit with optimized components for Canvas Apps: https://aka.ms/CreatorKit 
• Formula Fx Ideas: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/canvas-apps/power-apps-ideas-train-examples
• Dataverse Connector: https://learn.microsoft.com/connectors/commondataserviceforapps/ 
• Expand usage from Community Member: Using Expand Query in Power Automate with CDS - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)
• Query Data Web API Deep Dive: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/developer/data-platform/webapi/query-data-web-api 
• Amazing demo by Lilly Liu on Ideas in Formula Fx!
  Let Power Apps Write the Power Fx For You! - Power CAT Live - YouTube

Day 14: Improve Canvas App Designs with the Creator Kit

Day 14 Resources:

• PCF Component Framework Overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/developer/component-framework/overview
• Creator Kit Overview: https://aka.ms/CreatorKit
• Putting things on top of the Elevation components: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/guidance/creator-kit/elevation 
• Example Video: SharePoint Document Library in Model Driven App Custom Page Details List for SharePoint Doc Library Custom Page in Model Driven Apps - YouTube
• Code Components: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/developer/component-framework/custom-controls-overview 

Day 15: Easy as Pie Power BI Integrations

Day 15 Resources:

• Northwind Traders Solution Download: https://aka.ms/NorthwindSolution
• Power BI features in Dataverse: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/use-powerbi-dataverse 
• View Dataverse Table Data in Power BI: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/view-entity-data-power-bi 
• Generate Visualizations from Table Views: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/user/visualize-in-power-bi https://powerbi.microsoft.com/blog/visualizing-views-in-dynamics-365-generally-available/ 
• Adding Power BI reports and dashboard to solutions:
  https://powerbi.microsoft.com/blog/announcing-power-bi-report-and-dataset-management-in-power-apps-solutions/ 
• Amazing video demonstration by Scott Sewell from Engineering:
  Embedding Power BI into D365 and Power Apps Forms! - YouTube

Day 16: Purpose of Business Rules

Day 16 Resources:

• Introduction to Business Rules: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-create-business-rule
• Business Logic in Dataverse: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/processes
  

Day 17: Understanding the Value of Business Process Flows (BPF)
Day 17 Resources:

• Overview of BPF: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/business-process-flows-overview
• Branching: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/enhance-business-process-flows-branching
•  Learning Content: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/create-business-process-flow 

MVP Video Tips from the amazing Lisa Crosbie

• Build Business Process Flows with Lisa Crosbie:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzxmCvVTGMo 
• Learn how to trigger an approval from a stage gate:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0d1SGYAseI 

Day 18: Calling Dataverse from Power Automate
Day 18 Resources:

• Dataverse Connector: https://learn.microsoft.com/connectors/commondataserviceforapps/
• Expand usage from Community Member: Using Expand Query in Power Automate with CDS – Dynamics Back Page (wordpress.com)
• Using Fetch XML in Dataverse: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/developer/data-platform/use-fetchxml-construct-query 
• HTTP to Azure AD Connector:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/connectors/webcontents/ 
• Query Data Web API Deep Dive: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/developer/data-platform/webapi/query-data-web-api
• Custom Connector Overview:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/connectors/custom-connectors/ 

Day 19: Helpful Tips for Power Automate & Power Virtual Agents flows

Day 19 Resources:

• Dataverse Connector: https://learn.microsoft.com/connectors/commondataserviceforapps/ 

• Rasika's tips:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ0mQzf-u64

• OData concepts:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/odata/concepts/queryoptions-overview 

• Power Virtual Agent flows:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-virtual-agents/advanced-flow 

• Level-Up Extension:
  https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/level-up-for-dynamics-365/mdjlgdkgmhlmcikdmeehcecolehipicf 

• Great video from MVP Shane Young from PowerApps911 (intermediate users will appreciate this too):
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kftk2buVG2Y
  
  

Day 20: Importing & Exporting Data

Day 20 Resources:

Data Import and Export:

• Overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-import-export 

• Using File Templates:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-import-export#option-1-import-by-creating-and-modifying-a-file-template 

• BONUS VIDEO 1: Power CAT Live video on Alternate Keys with Yasin Alladin Mukadam:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m35K6-qlCo4 

• BONUS VIDEO 2: Data Migration Utility by Brian Knight of Pragmatic Works:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thK99oFdCmQ 
  
  

Day 21: Understanding Dataflows

Day 21 Resources:

• Overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/create-and-use-dataflows 
• Power Query: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-query/dataflows/add-data-power-query?source=recommendations 
• Universities Web API Query: http://universities.hipolabs.com/search?&country=united%20states 
• Northwind OData Query: https://services.odata.org/V4/Northwind/Northwind.svc/ 
• More on Link to Data Lake:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/azure-synapse-link-data-lake 
  
  

Day 22: The Beauty of Virtual Tables

Day 22 Resources:

• Overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/create-virtual-tables-using-connectors?tabs=sql 
• Blog: https://powerapps.microsoft.com/blog/announcing-new-data-sources-for-the-virtual-connection-provider/ 
• Wizard Flag: ?powerappsEntities.enableVirtualTablesCreation=true 
  
  

Day 23: Leveraging Azure Synapse Link

Day 23 Resources:

• Azure Synapse Link for Dataverse:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/data-factory/connector-dynamics-crm-office-365?tabs=data-factory 

• What's new in Azure Synapse?
  https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/synapse-analytics/whats-new 

• Azure Synapse Link Advanced Configuration:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/azure-synapse-link-advanced-configuration ]

• Azure Synapse Link FAQs:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-apps/maker/data-platform/export-data-lake-faq 

• Additional Degrees of Change customer story:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky6hR8_PyPE 
  
  

Day 24: An introduction to Security Concepts

Day 24 Resources:

• Dataverse Security Concepts:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/wp-security-cds 
• Security Concepts Shown in Demos (Power CAT YouTube Channel):
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UWSj-vvxzU 

• Field/Column-Level Security:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/field-level-security 

• Security FAQs:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/security/faqs 

• Power Platform Security Committments (scroll down and click on Power Platform):
  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/trust-center/product-overview?rtc=1 

Day 25: Let's celebrate the Art of the Possible! (includes the gamification community challenge)
IMPORTANT: For the raffle a minimum of 10 participants must be engaged. Post links to details on your solution below this post.

Day 25 Resource:

• https://aka.ms/Dataverse
• https://aka.ms/PowerPlatformStories 
• https://powerapps.microsoft.com/customer-stories/ 

CLOSING RESOURCES:

-Exemplary Solutions for Dataverse Discovery:

• https://aka.ms/CreatorKit (includes the Theming Designer Tool)
• https://aka.ms/NorthwindSolution 
• https://aka.ms/CoeStarterKitDownload (includes the Innovation Backlog Solution)

-Gifted Solutions (exported from 25-day demos) for topic review and/or clone & revise:

• Event Services Solution
• Student University Form (REST API) Example Solution (see day 21)
• ChatBot-CustomerExpert Solution

-Hands on labs:

• https://aka.ms/LearnDataverse4Free   
• https://aka.ms/DVLabAssets

Enjoy your holiday season, and wishing you all the best for the new year!
Audrie
(Twitter handles: @ArtsyPowerApper, @DataverseSME)