PL-400 — frequently asked questions

Direct changes create an unmanaged layer that conflicts with managed solution updates. Removing it ensures the upgrade applies cleanly.

No. You must export the current development state as a managed solution to capture all changes (views, columns) in a single package.

It registers the parameter in the form's metadata, allowing client-side scripts to access the value during the OnLoad event.

Yes, when passing parameters, they are often serialized into the URL/query string for the target form to read after configuration.

Power Automate is a low-code tool for business workflows. Since the scenario involves a 'custom application in Azure,' it implies a code-based solution where direct Web API calls are more efficient and appropriate.

No. Plug-ins run server-side within the Dataverse environment and are triggered by internal events. They cannot be invoked directly by an external Azure application.

The API definition (OpenAPI/Swagger) documents the function's operations, parameters, and JSON response schema. The Power Platform import wizard uses it to generate the connector's actions and parameter bindings automatically.

A flow can act as a proxy, but it adds latency, licensing, and maintenance overhead for what is a synchronous lookup. A custom connector calling the function directly is the intended, best-practice pattern.

Yes, Business Rules are OOB features for managing field visibility and requirements, but they cannot create modal pop-up boxes.

You can, but it is not an OOB feature. Use a Calculated Column first as it is native and simpler for static formulas.

Yes, Business Rules can set field values and apply validation. For simple formatting like keeping only digits and periods, a Business Rule can be configured to validate and clean the input, which is preferred over custom code.

JavaScript runs on the client side. During bulk imports from Excel, client-side scripts may not execute or persist data changes reliably. Server-side or declarative solutions like Business Rules ensure the data is stored correctly.

Use a Plug-in when you need to call external APIs, perform complex database operations, or handle logic that cannot be expressed in a formula. For simple row-level math, a Formula Column is faster and easier to maintain.

The business requirements explicitly state to use out-of-the-box solutions when possible. The standard Contact table is designed to hold customer names, addresses, and PII, making it the preferred choice over a custom table.

Column security restricts access to specific fields (columns) within a record, such as hiding financial data. Row security restricts access to entire records based on criteria like ownership or team membership.

A PCF control is a custom UI element (like a button or input field) built with code for use in a specific form or view. A Component Library is a collection of screens, variables, and functions that can be reused across multiple Canvas Apps.

The requirement specifies 'modular components that can be used by other applications.' Component Libraries allow you to build and share entire logical blocks or screens across different apps, whereas PCF is limited to individual control instances.