#PowerPlatformTip 33 – ‘Coalesce’

💡 Challenge

In PowerApps and PowerAutomate, managing multiple potential blank values often results in complex, nested If statements. This hinders readability and efficiency.

✅ Solution

Use the Coalesce function to scan a list of parameters and return the first non-blank value, significantly reducing formula complexity.

🔧 How It’s Done

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use the Coalesce function with multiple values as parameters.
   🔸 List all values as parameters in the Coalesce function instead of nested Ifs.
2. Evaluate and return the first non-blank value.
   🔸 Coalesce scans each parameter in order.
   🔸 Returns the first non-blank value it encounters.

🎉 Result

Formulas become streamlined, improving readability, development efficiency, and future maintenance of your app or flow.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Enhanced readability.
🔸 Reduced complexity.
🔸 Easier maintenance.

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🛠️ FAQ

1. How many parameters can I pass to the Coalesce function?
Coalesce can handle multiple parameters, but for optimal performance and readability, limit to 5-10 parameters.

2. Does Coalesce work with different data types?
Yes, but ensure all parameters are compatible data types or use conversion functions like Text() or Value() when needed.

3. What’s considered a “blank” value in Coalesce?
Blank values include empty strings (“”), null values, and the Blank() function result. Zero (0) and false are not considered blank.

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