#PowerPlatformTip 66 – ‘Load Data Source Structure’

💡 Challenge

You need to load a data source structure into a collection, especially if you plan to patch the collection back to the data source later on.

✅ Solution

Use the Filter function in Power Apps to load the structure of the data source into your collection efficiently.

🔧 How It’s Done

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use Filter to load the data source structure
   🔸 Apply Filter(COLLECTION, Defaults(Source)) to create a blank record schema in your collection.
   🔸 Ensures your collection matches the data source fields for smooth patch operations.
2. Populate the collection with the proper structure
   🔸 Use ClearCollect(MyCollection, Filter(COLLECTION, Defaults(MyDataSource))).
   🔸 Replace MyDataSource with your actual data source name.

🎉 Result

You’ve set up a structured collection that ensures smoother data handling and an enhanced app experience.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Validation & Data Integrity: Minimizes risks of data mismatches and validation errors by matching the data source schema.
🔸 Performance Boost: Improves app performance by working with in-memory collections, reducing direct calls to the data source.
🔸 Data Preparation: Simplifies data transformation and preparation in a structured collection before sending it back.

---

🛠️ FAQ

1. Why use Defaults(MyDataSource) in the Filter function?
Defaults(MyDataSource) returns a blank record with the correct schema for the data source. By filtering with that, you create a collection that matches the data source structure without retrieving actual data.

2. Will this method retrieve any existing records from the data source?
No. Filter(COLLECTION, Defaults(MyDataSource)) only uses the Defaults record to shape your collection’s schema. To load actual data, use other functions like Filter(MyDataSource, ...) or Collect(MyCollection, MyDataSource).

3. How do I patch data back to the data source using this structured collection?
After setting up the structured collection, use Patch(MyDataSource, Defaults(MyDataSource), MyCollection) or loop through the collection to update or create records. Having matching fields ensures smooth data operations.

---