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.