#PowerPlatformTip 79: 'Retrieve Record Details Post-Update'

TL;DR: Capture a just-created or updated record’s details (like its ID) by wrapping Patch in Set() or reading Form.LastSubmit right after submitting.

💡 Challenge

When working with Power Apps, you often need to retrieve details of a record that has just been created or updated. This information might include the ID of the new/updated record, which is essential for further processes or user notifications.

✅ Solution

You can obtain the details of the newly created or updated record by wrapping a variable around the Patch function or using the Form.LastSubmit property to immediately access record details post-update.

🔧 How It’s Done

Here’s how to do it:

1. Using a Variable with Patch Function:
   🔸 Syntax: Set(RecordDetails, Patch(DataSource, BaseRecord, ChangeRecord))

   🔸 Example: Set(NewRecord, Patch(Products, Defaults(Products), {Title:"New Product"}))

   🔸 Retrieval: Use NewRecord.ID to retrieve the ID of the newly created record.

2. Using Form.LastSubmit Property:
   🔸 Setup: Ensure the form is properly linked to your data source.

   🔸 Submission: Submit the form using SubmitForm(FormName).

   🔸 Retrieval: Use FormName.LastSubmit.ID to access the ID of the last submitted record.

🎉 Result

You have a straightforward method to retrieve essential details of records right after they are created or updated, facilitating seamless workflows and enhanced app functionalities.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Streamlined Workflows: Quickly access new or updated record details, allowing for immediate follow-up actions.

🔸 Enhanced User Experience: Provide users with instant feedback or next steps by leveraging the retrieved record details.

🔸 Error Handling: Allows validating the success of record creation or update before proceeding, improving reliability.

🎥 Video Tutorial

🛠️ FAQ

1. How do I retrieve the ID of a newly created record using Patch?

Use a Set variable around your Patch function, for example: Set(NewRecord, Patch(Table, Defaults(Table), {...})), then use NewRecord.ID.

2. Can I use Form.LastSubmit with any form control?

Yes, as long as the form is linked to a data source and you use SubmitForm(FormName), you can access FormName.LastSubmit.

3. What if record creation fails?

Implement error handling by checking if the Patch returns a valid record or use IfError and Notify functions to inform users of failures.

🔗 Related Tips

🔸 #PowerPlatformTip 57: ‘Mastering PATCH’ - the broader Patch techniques this record-details trick builds on.

🔸 #PowerPlatformTip 136: ‘Patch + Coalesce Upsert’ - wrap the same variable-around-Patch idea around a combined create-or-update call.