Dataverse Data Types Dataverse provides a variety of data types to store and manage structured and unstructured data effectively. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Core Data Types Data Type Description Use Case Text – Single Line of Text: Up to 4,000 characters. Store names, titles, or short descriptions. – Multiline Text: Up to 1,048,576 characters. Store long descriptions or notes. Number – Whole Number: Integers (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Quantities, rankings. – Decimal: Up to 10 decimal places. Financial or precise measurements. – Floating Point: Approximate values. Scientific calculations or less precise data. Currency Stores monetary values with support for multiple currencies. Invoices, transactions, or financial data. Date and Time – Date Only: Stores only the date. Birthdates, deadlines. – Date & Time: Includes time zone adjustments. Event timestamps, scheduling. Choice – Single Choice: User selects one option from predefined values. Status, categories, or labels. – Multi-Select Choice: User selects multiple options. Tags, interests.
2. Advanced Data Types Data Type Description Use Case Lookup Creates relationships between tables. Linking students to courses, orders to customers. Image Stores a single image file for a record. Profile pictures, product images. File Allows uploading files up to 128MB per record. Contracts, attachments, or documents. Calculated Fields Automatically computes values based on other fields in the same record. Age based on birthdate, total cost calculations. Rollup Fields Aggregates data from related records (e.g., sum, average). Total revenue from child records. Auto Number Generates unique identifiers automatically. Invoice numbers, student IDs.
Accessing Dataverse Data Dataverse supports multiple methods for accessing and interacting with data, including APIs and other tools:
1. APIs API Description Use Case Web API (OData) RESTful interface using OData standards. Integrate with custom applications or third-party services. Example Endpoint: /api/data/v9.2/contacts Retrieve, create, update, or delete records. SDK API Client libraries for .NET and JavaScript. Ideal for building robust, enterprise-level integrations. Custom API Define custom endpoints for specific business logic. Simplifies integrations with unique requirements. Virtual Tables API Allows external data sources to appear as Dataverse tables. Real-time access to external systems (e.g., SQL, SharePoint).
2. Power Platform Integration Tool Description Use Case Power Apps – Model-Driven Apps: Works seamlessly with Dataverse. Build CRM, ERP-like apps. – Canvas Apps: Allows dynamic interactions with Dataverse data. Create custom UI for users. Power Automate Provides triggers and actions for Dataverse events. Automate workflows, such as sending emails after record updates. Power BI Connects to Dataverse for visual reporting and analytics. Create dashboards and aggregate insights.
3. Direct Database-Like Access Method Description Use Case FetchXML Queries XML-based query language for retrieving data. Fetch data with filters and aggregations. Example: Retrieve accounts where revenue > 1M. SQL Endpoint Provides read-only access to Dataverse data using SQL-like queries. Use SQL for reporting tools like SSRS or Excel. Dataverse Connector Integrates with Microsoft services like Excel and Outlook. Use Dataverse tables directly in Excel for data manipulation.
4. Low-Code/No-Code Integration Integration Method Description Use Case Canvas Apps Formulas Use Excel-like expressions to interact with Dataverse data. Build real-time, dynamic UI apps. Dataflows Allows importing/exporting data from Dataverse to other systems (or vice versa). Data migration or ETL processes. Power Query Connects Dataverse data to other platforms like Power BI, Excel, or Azure Data Lake. Data analysis and transformation workflows.
Choosing the Right Access Method
Use Web API for external integrations with RESTful applications.
Use Power Apps for low-code app development.
Use Power Automate to automate workflows and processes.
Use Power BI for advanced reporting and dashboards.
Use SQL Endpoint for read-only access to data in analytics scenarios.
