Power Apps Canvas Coding Standards (Part 1)

Introduction to Power Apps Canvas Coding Standards

"In this guide you will find 50+ pages of coding rules, guidelines and best practices to be used to create Power Apps/Canvas apps." - Power Apps Coding Standards

Naming Conventions

Screen Names

Control Names

Variable Names

Collection Names

Datasource Table Names

Variable Type Standards

Variable Scope

Why Use Both Local and Global Variables

Usage Examples

powerappsCopy
// Global variable
Set(
    gblSalesTaxAmount, 
    Value(txt_OrderForm_SubtotalAmount.Text) * 0.13
);

// Local variables
UpdateContext(
    {
        locLineItemsCount: 0, 
        locShowConfirmationMenu: false, 
        locOrderFormMode: Blank()
    }
);

// One-time variable
With(
    {varBusinessContact: LookUp('Sales Orders', ID=ThisItem.ID)}, 
    Concatenate(
        varBusinessContact.FirstName, 
        " ",
        varBusinessContact.LastName
    )
);

Commenting Code

Tips for Writing Good Comments

• Write comments describing code section intent (goal).
• Avoid restating code lines; focus on clean code.
• Update comments with code changes.
• Avoid excessive comments that are hard to maintain.
• Use full sentences and plain language.
• Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, or slang.

Line Comments vs. Block Comments

Commenting Style

• Place comments above the code section on separate lines.
• Avoid in-line comments on the same line.
• Start with a capital letter.
• End with a period.

powerappsCopy
// Validate the work order to ensure it will not be rejected upon submission.
Set(
    varValidateForm,
    Validate(
        'Work Orders', 
        Defaults('Work Orders'),
        gblRecordWorkOrder.Current
    )
);