When building a robust Power Apps solution, there comes a point where you need to integrate your app with a SharePoint list or other data sources. This is where the Patch function becomes an essential tool in your arsenal. With Patch, you gain precise control over how data is written to your data source, enabling flexibility and efficiency in your app design.

Let me guide you through a practical example of patching data from various controls in your Power App to a SharePoint list—cleanly and effectively. In this scenario, we’re patching a new item into a SharePoint list called Tasking Tool List, using a mix of text inputs, dropdowns, date pickers, and attachment forms.

The Patch Function

Here’s the Patch function we’ll use:

Patch(
    'Tasking Tool List',
    Defaults('Tasking Tool List'),
    {
        Subject: TextInput1.Text,
        Description: TextInput1.Text,
        Sensitivity: DropDown1.Selected,
        Originator: DropDown2.Selected,
        'Deadline Date': DatePicker1.SelectedDate,
        'Tasked By': DropDown3.Selected,
        'Task Owner Group': DropDown4.Selected,
        'Task Assignee': DropDown5.Selected,
        'Priority': DropDown6.Selected,
        'Importance': DropDown7.Selected
    },
    Form1.Updates
)

        

This code efficiently maps your app’s controls to the corresponding fields in the SharePoint list. Let’s break it down.

Breaking Down the Code

1. Target Data Source

   The first parameter specifies the data source, in this case, the SharePoint list:

   'Tasking Tool List'

2. Creating a New Item

   The Defaults() function creates a new, blank record in the specified data source to populate with data from your app.

3. Field Mapping

   Each field in the SharePoint list is mapped to a control in your app. Here are a few examples:

   • The Subject field is populated using TextInput1.Text.
   • The Description field is also populated using TextInput1.Text (this can be changed to another input if needed).
   • Choice fields like Sensitivity and Originator use DropDown1.Selected and DropDown2.Selected, respectively.
   • Dates, such as Deadline Date, are mapped with .SelectedDate from the DatePicker1 control.
4. Attachments

   Don’t forget to include Form1.Updates in your Patch statement to ensure that attachments are submitted along with the rest of the data.

Why Use Patch?

Using Patch instead of SubmitForm gives you:

• Flexibility: You decide which fields to update and how to map them.
• Precision: Direct control over data flow ensures no unwanted fields are altered.
• Customisation: Perfect for scenarios where business logic requires different controls or dynamic values.

Best Practices

Here are some expert tips to get the most out of your Patch implementation:

1. Always Verify Field Names

   Ensure the field names in your SharePoint list exactly match what you reference in your Patch function. SharePoint is case-sensitive, and spaces in column names must be enclosed in single quotes.

2. Use the Right Properties
   • For text fields, use .Text.
   • For choice fields, use .Selected.
   • For date pickers, use .SelectedDate.
3. Test Thoroughly

   Debugging a Patch function is easier when you isolate errors to specific fields. Test each control and its mapped field individually before combining them into a single Patch statement.

4. Error Handling

   Add error messages or notifications in your app to inform users if a Patch operation fails. The Notify function is excellent for this purpose.

Conclusion

The Patch function is a powerful tool in Power Apps that gives you full control over how data flows into your SharePoint list. By mastering this approach, you can design apps that are not only functional but also highly customised to meet your business needs.

Whether you’re building task management apps, tracking systems, or anything in between, Patch ensures your data is handled with precision and efficiency. Start using Patch like a pro today, and let me know in the comments how it’s transforming your apps!

Until next time, happy building.

Gowtham