Applications developed in Power Apps could use two approaches, Model-driven and Canvas.
Model driven Apps
Model-driven apps are a type of Power Apps that allow you to build custom business applications that are based on the Common Data Service (CDS). The Common Data Service is a cloud-based data storage and management system that allows you to securely store and manage data used by business applications.
Model-driven apps are designed to be used by business analysts and developers to create custom applications that can be used across an organization. These apps are built using a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to easily create forms, views, and dashboards that are tailored to your specific business needs.
One of the key benefits of model-driven apps is that they are highly customizable. You can use the Power Apps platform to create custom entities, fields, and relationships that are specific to your business. This allows you to create applications that are tailored to your specific business processes and workflows.
Another benefit of model-driven apps is that they are highly scalable. You can use the Common Data Service to store and manage large amounts of data, which makes it easy to scale your applications as your business grows.
Overall, model-driven apps are a powerful tool for building custom business applications that are tailored to your specific needs. They are highly customizable, scalable, and can be used across an organization to improve business processes and workflows.
Canvas Apps
Canvas apps are a type of Power Apps that allow you to create custom business applications with a drag-and-drop interface. Unlike model-driven apps, canvas apps are not based on the Common Data Service (CDS) and are designed to be used by power users and citizen developers.
Canvas apps allow you to create custom screens, forms, and dashboards that are tailored to your specific business needs. You can connect to a wide range of data sources, including SharePoint, Excel, and Dynamics 365, and use the data to create custom visualizations and workflows.
One of the key benefits of canvas apps is that they are highly customizable. You can use the Power Apps platform to create custom controls, formulas, and expressions that are specific to your business. This allows you to create applications that are tailored to your specific business processes and workflows.
Another benefit of canvas apps is that they are highly flexible. You can create applications that run on a wide range of devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. This makes it easy to create applications that can be used by employees in the field or on the go.
Overall, canvas apps are a powerful tool for building custom business applications that are tailored to your specific needs. They are highly customizable, flexible, and can be used by power users and citizen developers to improve business processes and workflows.
Model driven vs Canvas Apps
| Feature | Model-driven Apps | Canvas Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Based on Common Data Service (CDS) | Yes | No |
| Designed for | Business analysts and developers | Power users and citizen developers |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Highly customizable |
| Data sources | Limited to CDS | Wide range of data sources |
| User interface | Limited to pre-built components | Custom screens, forms, and dashboards |
| Device compatibility | Limited to web and mobile | Wide range of devices |
| Scalability | Highly scalable | Scalable |
| Business processes | Tailored to specific business processes and workflows | Tailored to specific business processes and workflows |
| Development approach | Drag-and-drop interface | Drag-and-drop interface |