Microsoft Dataverse, the backbone of Dynamics 365 & Power Platform, is revolutionizing app development globally. It securely stores and manages data in standard or custom tables for business applications.
Microsoft Dataverse is the sophisticated and secure backbone that powers Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. This low-code data platform is rapidly changing the way organizations around the world build apps and innovate business processes. Dataverse lets you securely store and manage data that's used by business applications. Data within Dataverse is stored within a set of tables. Dataverse includes a base set of standard tables that cover typical scenarios, but you can also create custom tables specific to your organization and populate them with data by using Power Query.
Course Outline ( Free Preview)
Module 01 - Introduction
Helen welcomes you to the course and explains what “building solutions in Dataverse” really means, packaging the right components so your work is portable, maintainable, and ready for real environments. You’ll get a clear view of the end goal, the tools you’ll use, and how each module builds toward a working model-driven solution.
Module 02 - Environments and Licensing
Before you build, you need the right foundation. Helen breaks down Dataverse environments, why they matter for development vs. production, and what licensing enables key features. You’ll learn practical setup considerations, access requirements, and how to avoid common deployment roadblocks caused by environment or licensing gaps.
Module 03 - Introduction to Model Driven Apps3 min.
Get oriented to model-driven apps and how they differ from other Power Platform app types. Helen explains the Dataverse-first approach, how tables drive the experience, and what users interact with, forms, views, and navigation. This module gives you the mental model you’ll need before building your own app.
Module 04 - Creating a Solution10 min.
Learn how to create a solution container and why solutions are the backbone of organized Power Platform development. Helen shows how to structure solutions, choose publishers, and follow naming conventions so components stay easy to find and deploy. You’ll also learn the difference between unmanaged and managed solutions at a high level.
Module 05 - Tables and Columns in Dataverse54 min.
Build the data layer that powers everything else. Helen walks through creating Dataverse tables and columns, choosing data types, and setting basic properties that affect usability and reporting. You’ll learn best practices for designing tables that support clean forms, clear views, and reliable data entry.
Module 06 - Build a Model Driven App14 min.
Now you’ll assemble a working model-driven app connected to your Dataverse tables. Helen shows how to add tables to the app, configure navigation, and make sure the user experience aligns with the business process. You’ll see how the data model drives the app experience and how to validate the basics quickly.
Module 07 - Create Views20 min.
Views shape how users browse and find records. Helen demonstrates how to create a view, choose columns, apply sorting and filtering, and design it for fast scanning and usability. You’ll learn how to build views that support daily work, not just display data.
Module 08 - Create Forms24 min.
This module expands your Form-building skills with additional patterns and refinements. Helen focuses on making forms more purpose-driven, improving clarity for different audiences, and applying consistency across your app.
Module 09 - Import Data from Excel7 min.
Finish by bringing real data into your solution using an Excel import. Helen walks through preparing your spreadsheet, mapping columns correctly, and validating results after the import. You’ll learn how to avoid common formatting issues and ensure your Dataverse tables are populated and ready for app testing.
Helen Devlin is a Jacksonville native who graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2016. After 9 years of teaching varying grades (K-5) in Florida and Tennessee, she joined the Pragmatic Works team as a Power Platform Trainer. As a trainer at Pragmatic Works, her primary goal is to help individuals gain confidence in using the Power Platform. While not in the office, she enjoys coffee, brunch, local parks, and spending time with her family.
**This class will be taught using the Power Apps Development tool found at:**
- https://make.powerapps.com (Commercial Use)
- https://make.gov.powerapps.us (GCC Customers)
- https://make.high.powerapps.us (GCC High Customers)
- https://make.apps.appsplatform.us (DoD Customers)
