Power Apps: Canvas vs Model-Driven Explained

This video explains the difference between canvas and model-driven Power Apps and how to choose which one to use for different use cases - with just one simple question to ask yourself to understand the difference.

[erbl]

I'm relatively new to the power platform but I've been developing sql databases for years. I'm a bit concerned with power apps because it looks like it is relatively difficult to build complex programs on top of power apps. It seems to me that if the use case includes quite complex logic, then it is relatively difficult to include all the business logic inside a power app. Do you find that to be the case?

I'm not familiar with model apps. From what you are saying as long as the data is contained within dataverse, then a model app can contain very complex logic without too much difficulty. Also, if a streamlined form is needed, then it is possible to include powerapps via custom pages inside a model app.

So for future projects the ideal scenario would be to contain the data within dataverse, build a model app that contains most of the application, add canvas apps via custom pages if a simplified interface is needed for certain users, and integrate complex reporting via power bi. Does this sound reasonable to you?

[chrisyleenz]

Thank you, finally someone explained this topic!! And you explained it so well

[ckrichardgray]

Just starting on my PowerApps journey - very useful video. Thanks, Lisa :)

[maciejkucharski]

Thanks for a quick explanation! Exactly what I was looking for, not going through a DIY case example. :)

[hellenabi]

Short and brief. You give me an answer about what to use when. 🙂
Salut

[WaranSelection]

Thank you Lisa you are # 1 expert on dataverse and power aps

[Steady]

Thanks for the clear explanation... so many other answers I found to this question only added to my confusion.

[emelinesome]

Short, simple & clear : thanks a lot! 🥰
I am aiming to design a (modest) invoices tracking system with Microsoft Lists 💪🏾 and just discover how power apps is so powerful and versatile, but I was starting to get a little bit lost... 😅
Take care! 😉

[suhaimiabdazais]

Thanks for clarification Lisa.. Yeah I already have several lists data sources and just need to build new apps instead of fill up new item from multiple sharepoint lists..

[hariprakash]

Mam you are amazing i love your video its really understanding iam really addicted to your explaining skills.I understand the concept how its works from scratch by watching your video. God Bless you Mam😍😍❤❤💖💖

[scaledbuy]

If you go with model app on dataverse, can the average user still append new data into it? For example, I have flight schedules in a system and an average person can easily take it from the flight scheduler and paste it into Excel or Sharepoint list. Can the average person add the flight data into Dataverse just as easily? They're already trained and know how to take it from the legacy system and bring it to Excel. Unfortunately, it's a non-starter to connect the dataverse directly to the flight scheduler system.

[ivanromero]

But if you don’t have a data source, but you want to have the flexibility in design (i.e. user interface), shouldn’t you choose a Canvas App using Dataverse?

[FWWMVY]

Our company has a large Microsoft Dynamics CRM deployment. There is a need to transform smaller, back office/legacy processes with no data bases, spreadsheets etc with suitable applications and features model driven apps can provide. My concern is our existing Dynamics CRM deployment is going to become complicated and beleaguered with numerous model driven apps and custom tables if we use the same dataverse. Can you comment on this? Would you recommend a unique Dataverse for these smaller internally focused applications, those that do not align to our broader enterprise CRM strategy?

[estuardocastro]

Lovely, I own you a cup of Guatemalan coffee