PowerApps Component Framework (PCF) allows developers to extend functionality within Power Platform using custom controls that enhance the user experience and interaction. In this blog, we will explore how we leveraged an open source npm React library to build a custom query builder control, delivering a highly responsive and dynamic query builder experience in a Canvas app.
Need:
One of our recent projects required a solution that would allow a team working with different data models to dynamically build and customize queries. The goal was to allow users to easily filter and explore data, without the need for technical expertise, enhancing decision-making across various departments.
Approach:
We first started building this control using PowerFx, PowerApps’ built-in formula language. However, we soon realized that PowerFx lacked the flexibility and complexity required to build dynamic and customizable queries for the various data models our client was working with. The challenge was accommodating the intricate structure of the queries, which led us to explore custom controls.
After evaluating different options, we identified React Query Builder library to fit our needs. This open-source React library provided the flexibility to construct complex query logic using a highly interactive and intuitive UI. By integrating it into a custom PCF control, we could easily bring this dynamic query-building functionality to PowerApps.
Additionally, we incorporated the SQL Formatter library to automatically format the query output, presenting it in a clean, readable, and ready for execution.
Benefits of PCF Control:
- Rich UI experience with minimal code
- Efficiency in query construction
- Reusability
- Faster development time
- Enhanced data processing
Steps involved:
The following high-level steps outline the process of implementing the custom query builder control:
- Prerequisites and Setup of Development Environment – Setting up a Power Platform environment, configuring necessary tools, and ensuring that your PCF development environment is ready.
- Building the React Query Builder Control – Integrating the React Query Builder library into the PCF control and customizing it to meet the client’s requirements.
- Integrating the Control with Power Platform – Embedding the custom query builder control into a Canvas app and ensuring that it communicates seamlessly with the app’s data models.
- Deploying and Using the Custom Control in Power Platform – Deploying the PCF control within the client’s Power Platform environment and making it available for end users to build and execute queries.
Below is a preview of the query builder control embedded in the Canvas app.
Reference Resources:
The reference to the code library listed below:
Conclusion:
The custom query builder control we developed empowers users to make faster, more informed decisions based on dynamic real-time data. By leveraging the flexibility of Power Platform and integrating open-source libraries like React Query Builder and SQL Formatter, we’ve created a highly dynamic, scalable solution that enhances user experience while driving better business outcomes.
This project highlights the value of combining custom controls with powerful libraries to create intuitive, responsive solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses. As Power Platform continues to evolve, we’re excited to explore even more opportunities to innovate and provide exceptional solutions for our clients.
