Power Platform App Maker Training April 2023

An app, short for application, is a software program designed to perform specific tasks or functions for its users. Apps can be found in various forms, such as desktop, web, and mobile applications. Desktop apps are designed to run on personal computers, including Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Web apps are accessed through a web browser and can be used on multiple platforms. Mobile apps are specifically developed for smartphones and tablets, with compatibility for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices. Ideally, an app should work seamlessly across all these platforms to provide a consistent user experience.

An app maker is an individual or team responsible for designing, developing, and deploying apps. They possess a combination of technical and creative skills to create functional and visually appealing applications that cater to users’ needs.

In the context of Power Apps, app makers use Microsoft’s Power Platform to build low-code, customizable applications for desktop, web, and mobile devices. Power Apps provides tools that enable app makers to create both Canvas Apps and Model Driven Apps with minimal coding, allowing for rapid development and deployment.

To use Power Apps effectively, app makers need a diverse skill set. For Canvas Apps, app makers should possess a good understanding of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles, knowledge of data sources and data management, and familiarity with Power Fx, the platform’s low-code expression language. For Model Driven Apps, app makers need a grasp of the Common Data Service (now Dataverse) and experience in designing data models and business processes.

PL-100, the Microsoft Power Platform App Maker certification exam, specifically focuses on helping app makers develop a comprehensive understanding of the Power Platform ecosystem. This includes learning how to design and build Canvas Apps, create Model Driven Apps, leverage Power Automate for process automation, and integrate with other services like Power BI and Dynamics 365.

Pursuing the PL-100 certification can help app makers boost their careers by demonstrating their expertise in the Power Platform. This can lead to new job opportunities, career advancement, and increased credibility in the industry. By mastering the knowledge needed to use Power Apps, especially Canvas Apps, more effectively, app makers can create powerful, cross-platform applications that drive business value and provide exceptional user experiences.

In summary, understanding the core concepts of apps, app making, and the Power Platform is crucial for anyone looking to excel in the world of low-code application development. By focusing on the PL-100 certification, app makers can hone their skills, gain valuable knowledge, and enhance their career prospects in the rapidly evolving landscape of Power Apps and the broader Power Platform ecosystem.