Advanced Power Platform: Connectors, Components & Automation from Coursera

Take your Power Platform development skills to the next level with this advanced, hands-on course. Build enterprise-ready canvas and model-driven apps, design powerful workflows using Power Automate, and create secure, scalable business solutions with Microsoft Dataverse and custom APIs.

You’ll begin by exploring advanced Power Apps features—working with Power Fx, variables, multi-screen navigation, and connecting to data sources like Dataverse, SharePoint, and Excel. You'll also build both canvas and model-driven apps, implement business rules, and manage app security using roles and field-level access.

Next, you’ll automate business processes using Power Automate. Design dynamic workflows with conditions, expressions, error handling, and performance optimization. Real-world scenarios include approval flows, email triggers, notifications, and integrations with SharePoint and Outlook.

In the final module, you'll apply custom business logic using Power Fx, JavaScript, and plug-ins. Build client scripts, register them in model-driven forms, and write secure plug-ins and APIs in C#.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Develop advanced apps using Power Apps and Dataverse

- Automate processes using Power Automate with real-world connectors

- Implement secure business logic with Power Fx, JavaScript, and plug-ins

- Build scalable and production-ready components with best practices

Disclaimer: This course is an independent educational resource developed by Board Infinity and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially associated with Microsoft corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. This course is not an official preparation material of Microsoft corporation. All trademarks, service marks, and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.

What's inside

Syllabus

Building and Customizing Power Apps

In Module 1, learners gain hands-on experience developing powerful Power Apps starting with Canvas Apps. They explore advanced layout and control techniques, learn to craft complex Power Fx expressions, manage variables and collections, and integrate with multiple data sources such as Dataverse, SharePoint, and Excel. Next, the focus shifts to Model‑Driven Apps, where learners create and customize Dataverse tables and relationships, design views and forms, and implement business rules and automated workflows for real-world use cases. The module rounds out with Dataverse essentials for developers, where students design schema relationships (1:N, N:1, N:N) and configure security roles and field-level permissions. Through practical labs—like building multi-screen canvas apps and model-driven prototypes—and targeted quizzes, participants build the skills required to meet PL‑400 exam goals around Power Apps enhancements, Dataverse modeling, and app security as described in Microsoft’s official study guide

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Power Platform: Connectors, Components & Automation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Power Platform Developer

A Power Platform Developer is central to designing, building, and maintaining enterprise applications and automated workflows using Microsoft's low-code suite. This role requires a deep understanding of Power Apps, Power Automate, and Dataverse to deliver scalable business solutions. This course directly addresses the core competencies of a Power Platform Developer, providing advanced skills in crafting canvas and model-driven apps, implementing sophisticated business logic with Power Fx and JavaScript, and building custom APIs. Learners develop expertise in automating business processes through Power Automate, including error handling and performance optimization, and gain practical experience with security roles and field-level access within Dataverse. This specialized training is indispensable for aspiring developers aiming to create robust, production-ready Power Platform components and integrate diverse data sources like SharePoint and Excel.

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Dynamics 365 Developer

A Dynamics 365 Developer specializes in customizing, extending, and integrating Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications to meet specific business requirements. Given that Dynamics 365 is built upon the Power Platform and Dataverse, this course is exceptionally well-suited for a Dynamics 365 Developer. Learners will gain advanced skills in both canvas and model-driven apps, directly applicable to customizing Dynamics 365 user interfaces and functionalities. The course's modules on Dataverse essentials, designing schema relationships, configuring security roles, and implementing client-side scripting with JavaScript are paramount for extending Dynamics 365. Furthermore, the ability to write secure plug-ins and custom APIs in C# and automate business processes with Power Automate provides critical skills for server-side extensibility and integrating Dynamics 365 with other systems, making it a comprehensive preparation for this role.

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Solutions Developer

A Solutions Developer designs and implements comprehensive software solutions to meet specific organizational needs, often integrating various technologies and platforms. This role requires versatility in development approaches and a strong understanding of full solution lifecycles. This course is highly beneficial for a Solutions Developer, offering advanced, hands-on expertise in the Microsoft Power Platform. Learners will master developing enterprise-ready canvas and model-driven apps, designing powerful automated workflows with Power Automate, and building secure and scalable business solutions using Microsoft Dataverse and custom APIs. The curriculum's emphasis on implementing custom business logic with Power Fx, JavaScript, and C# plug-ins provides a robust toolkit for creating end-to-end solutions, from user interface to server-side extensibility, and integrating with diverse data sources, preparing individuals to tackle complex development challenges.

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Automation Engineer

An Automation Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and implementing systems that automate repetitive or complex tasks, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort across an organization. This course provides highly relevant skills for an Automation Engineer, particularly through its in-depth focus on Power Automate. Learners will master advanced flow techniques, including configuring error handling, constructing parallel branches, and optimizing flow performance. The curriculum covers real-world automation scenarios such as approval workflows, email triggers, and integrations with systems like SharePoint and Outlook. This expertise in Power Automate, combined with the ability to embed custom business logic and integrate with various data sources, helps individuals develop sophisticated automated processes and scalable solutions essential for modern enterprise automation initiatives.

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Low Code Solutions Architect

A Low Code Solutions Architect designs and oversees the implementation of enterprise solutions primarily using low-code development platforms, ensuring they meet business requirements, technical standards, and scalability goals. This role requires a broad understanding of platform capabilities, integration strategies, and security. This course is exceptionally valuable for an aspiring Low Code Solutions Architect, as it provides an advanced, hands-on foundation in the Power Platform ecosystem. Learners will gain expertise in building both canvas and model-driven apps, designing powerful automated workflows, and creating secure, scalable business solutions with Microsoft Dataverse and custom APIs. The curriculum's focus on best practices for production-ready components, schema relationships, security roles, and extending the platform with C# plug-ins directly supports the architectural considerations crucial for designing comprehensive low-code enterprise applications.

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Enterprise Application Integrator

An Enterprise Application Integrator specializes in connecting disparate software systems and data sources across an organization to ensure seamless data flow and process synchronization. This course is highly relevant for an Enterprise Application Integrator, emphasizing connectors, custom APIs, and integrations within the Power Platform. Learners will gain advanced skills in automating business processes using Power Automate with real-world connectors and developing secure, scalable business solutions with Microsoft Dataverse and custom APIs. The curriculum's focus on connecting to data sources like SharePoint and Excel, alongside the ability to build and register custom API actions and plug-ins in C#, directly equips individuals with the technical expertise required to establish robust integrations between various enterprise systems, ensuring data consistency and process continuity throughout an organization's digital landscape.

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Technical Consultant

A Technical Consultant advises clients on the optimal use and implementation of technology solutions, often requiring a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and client communication. This course provides robust, hands-on technical skills that are highly beneficial for a Technical Consultant specializing in Microsoft technologies. Learners will acquire advanced capabilities in developing Power Apps, automating processes with Power Automate, and leveraging Dataverse for secure, scalable business solutions. The curriculum includes implementing custom business logic, integrating with various data sources, and building production-ready components using best practices. This comprehensive understanding enables a Technical Consultant to effectively assess client requirements, design tailored Power Platform solutions, troubleshoot issues, and guide organizations through digital transformation initiatives by demonstrating practical expertise in enterprise application development and automation.

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Business Applications Developer

A Business Applications Developer focuses on creating software solutions that address specific organizational needs, often leveraging platforms that accelerate development and integration. This role is crucial for transforming business requirements into functional, user-friendly applications that streamline operations. This course enhances the capabilities of a Business Applications Developer by providing advanced, hands-on experience with the Microsoft Power Platform, enabling the creation of enterprise-ready canvas and model-driven apps. Learners will gain proficiency in building secure business solutions with Dataverse, implementing custom logic using Power Fx and JavaScript, and designing powerful automated workflows. The emphasis on connecting to various data sources and building scalable components directly prepares individuals for developing robust applications that drive business efficiency and digital transformation.

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Application Support Engineer

An Application Support Engineer provides technical assistance and troubleshooting for software applications, ensuring their smooth operation and resolving user issues. This role requires a deep understanding of application functionality, underlying architecture, and common integration points. This course can be highly beneficial for an Application Support Engineer dealing with Power Platform solutions. By gaining hands-on experience in developing advanced Power Apps, automating processes with Power Automate, and implementing secure business logic with Power Fx, JavaScript, and plug-ins, learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of how these applications are built and how they function. This detailed knowledge equips an Application Support Engineer to diagnose complex issues, understand error handling mechanisms, and effectively support enterprise-ready Power Platform components and integrations, minimizing downtime and improving user satisfaction.

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Business Systems Analyst

A Business Systems Analyst serves as a critical link between business stakeholders and technical teams, translating business needs into functional requirements and often playing a key role in the implementation of software solutions. This course may be particularly useful for a Business Systems Analyst by providing a deep understanding of the capabilities and practical application of the Power Platform. Learners will gain hands-on experience in building enterprise-ready apps and designing powerful automated workflows, which helps in identifying and prototyping solutions for business challenges. The ability to work with Dataverse, implement business rules, and understand app security enables a Business Systems Analyst to better scope projects, contribute to solution design, and effectively communicate with developers, ensuring that technical implementations truly address operational needs and improve efficiency.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications across various domains, often involving traditional coding languages and complex architectural patterns. This course may be useful for a Software Engineer looking to expand their toolkit into low-code platforms and understand enterprise application development within the Microsoft ecosystem. While much of the course focuses on low-code development, it also delves into traditional programming concepts like JavaScript for client-side scripting and C# for server-side plug-ins and custom APIs. This blend provides a Software Engineer with the ability to bridge the gap between traditional coding and rapid application development, enabling them to build scalable, production-ready components, integrate systems, and automate processes more efficiently using the Power Platform. It helps them leverage low-code for faster deployments while retaining critical high-code extensibility.

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Process Improvement Specialist

A Process Improvement Specialist analyzes existing business processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for optimization, then designs and implements solutions to enhance operational effectiveness. This course may be helpful for a Process Improvement Specialist, particularly through its intensive focus on Power Automate. Learners will acquire skills in designing dynamic workflows with conditions, expressions, and advanced error handling, enabling them to automate complex business processes effectively. The ability to create automated, scheduled, and instant flows, along with integrating with systems like SharePoint and Outlook, provides practical tools for digitizing and streamlining operations. While the role is broader than just technical implementation, understanding how to leverage Power Platform for automation empowers a specialist to translate improvement strategies into tangible, automated solutions.

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Technical Project Manager

A Technical Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of technology projects, requiring a solid understanding of technical methodologies, project timelines, and team coordination. This course may be useful for a Technical Project Manager working on projects involving the Microsoft Power Platform. While not a project management course, it provides a deep, hands-on understanding of developing advanced apps, automating processes, and implementing custom business logic within the Power Platform. This technical insight enables a project manager to better estimate project scope, identify potential risks, communicate effectively with developers, and make informed decisions regarding solution architecture and implementation strategies. Comprehending how scalable and production-ready components are built, along with best practices, ensures more realistic project planning and successful delivery of Power Platform initiatives.

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Cloud Solutions Engineer

A Cloud Solutions Engineer designs, deploys, and manages scalable and resilient cloud-based applications and infrastructure, often focusing on specific platforms like Microsoft Azure. This course may be useful for a Cloud Solutions Engineer by providing specialized expertise in the Microsoft Power Platform, a key component of the broader Microsoft cloud ecosystem. While not solely infrastructure-focused, the course equips learners with skills in building scalable and production-ready components, using custom APIs, and integrating diverse data sources—all critical considerations in cloud architecture. Understanding Dataverse as a secure and scalable data backend and leveraging Power Automate for cloud-based process automation helps a Cloud Solutions Engineer appreciate the capabilities of a leading low-code platform within their cloud solution designs and implementations, especially for business application layers.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, processes, and performs statistical analyses on data to derive insights that inform business decisions. This role often involves working with various data sources and reporting tools. This course may be helpful for a Data Analyst, particularly in understanding how data is managed and integrated within the Power Platform ecosystem. While not primarily focused on statistical analysis, the course provides in-depth exposure to connecting with data sources like Dataverse, SharePoint, and Excel, and designing schema relationships. The ability to build canvas and model-driven apps to visualize and interact with data, as well as automate data handling processes with Power Automate and Power Fx expressions, can empower a Data Analyst to not only extract and process data but also to build interactive dashboards and custom tools that make data more accessible and actionable for business users.

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