Tables and Columns

Tables

If you want to build an app based on Dataverse, you will need some kind of tables that are representing your different data objects. Based on the requirements and type of these objects, you have as well 4 different types of tables available in dataverse as well.

The most common one that is most likely used for lots of tables in your app as well ist the standard table. But let’s have a look at all the table types and additional options that you can set for a table:

• Standard
  Most tables in Dataverse are standard tables. Standard tables can have two different ownership types - User / Team or Organization. Each standard table is configured independent related to security. The primary column of a standard table can be renamed but must be of type Single Line Text or Autonumber.
• Activity
  All activities share common columns and are gathered within the activity view. Security is defined for all types of activities at once - either default or custom activity tables. The primary column is always the regarding column.
• Virtual
  Virtual tables are alredy available for some years now. Either custom build as Pro Code functionality or now also supported by a wizard for SQL Server or SharePoint. In addition, there are also D365 FO or BC Virtual tables which can be activated in the PPAC. Data is stored outside of Dataverse and limitations apply e.g., ownership is in most cases organization owned.
• Elastic (preview)
  Share many aspects of standard tables but have unique features and capabilities powered by Azure Cosmos DB. Designed to handle large volumes of data in real-time

You have created your table - how to proceed

Once you have created your table, you have already taken the first decisions, that you cannot change without deletion and recreation:

• If you have created the table within a solution or set the preferred solution first, the prefix of the table is fixed, as well as schema name / logical name and the primary column.
• In addition, without opening the advanced area during creation you already have the option to enable attchments (incl. notes and files) on the table. But careful - the little 1 next to this option is telling you, that this is a decision that when activated you cannot deactivate.

Let’s save the table just with basic settings and configure other information later.

When you are opening a table in the maker portal within a solution, the layout is everytime the same.

• At the top, you will find the command bar with different options like
  • creating New or adding existing attributes for this table in the solution. These could be Columns, Relationships, Keys, Forms, Views, Charts and Dashboards and Business Rules
  • Create an App, which will open the Model Driven App editor with the current table directly added.
  • Using this table, will analyze the environment and shows all Canvas or Model Driven Apps as well as all flows in which the table is currently used.
  • Import data will allow you t

If you wnat to read more, there are lot’s of Microsoft learn information available where you can even get more technical information https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/developer/data-platform/reference/about-entity-reference