Exciting New Features in PowerApps: Named Formulas

Microsoft continues to enhance PowerApps with new features designed to improve functionality and user experience. In this post, we'll explore some of the latest additions, focusing on the newly introduced Named Formulas.

What's New in PowerApps?

Microsoft has recently rolled out several new features in PowerApps, with some available in preview and others already released. These updates are aimed at making app development more intuitive and efficient.

What are Named Formulas?

Named Formulas in PowerApps draw inspiration from the old-school Name Manager used in Excel, where you could name tables, cells, and other elements for easier reference. Similarly, Named Formulas in PowerApps allow you to define and use formulas throughout your app by referring to them with a unique name.

How to Enable Named Formulas?

To enable Named Formulas in your PowerApp, follow these steps.

1. Ensure you're using the latest version of PowerApps Studio.
2. Open your app and navigate to the settings by clicking on the settings icon in the top bar of the screen.
   
3. Select Upcoming Features from the left menu.
4. Enable Experimental Features by toggling the switch.
5. Search for “Name” in the top search bar.
6. You should now see the “Named Formulas” feature. Simply enable it to start using Named Formulas in your app.
   

How to Use Named Formulas?

Named Formulas allow you to define values and use them throughout your app. Here's a simple example.

Instead of using

Set(SampleTextVariable, "70");

You can now use it.

SampleTextVariable = "70";

You can reference SampleTextVariable on any screen within the same PowerApp. These formulas are used in the App.Formulas property.

Advantages of Using Named Formulas

1. Always Available: The formula’s value is always available for use.
2. Always Up to Date: The formula’s value is updated automatically whenever needed.
3. Immutable: The formula’s definition cannot be changed once set, ensuring consistency.
4. Deferred Calculation: The formula’s calculation can be deferred to optimize performance.
5. Familiar Concept: Named formulas are based on a familiar Excel concept, making it easier for users to adopt.

Named Formulas in PowerApps bring a new level of efficiency and consistency to app development. By using Named Formulas, you can simplify your app’s logic and ensure that your values are always current and accurate.

Stay tuned for more updates and tutorials on PowerApps as we continue to explore the latest features and enhancements. If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to leave a comment below!

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