Environment Variables in Power Platform

Certainly! Let's start with a simple explanation of what environment variables are in the Power Platform, followed by a few use cases. Then, we’ll look at the step-by-step guide for using environment variables in Power Automate flows within a solution.

Demystifying Environment Variables in the Power Platform

In simple terms, environment variables in the Power Platform are like magic keys that unlock the full potential of your applications and workflows. They allow you to store, manage, and dynamically change important settings and data without having to dig through complex code or configurations. Imagine them as universal remote controls for your Power Apps, Power Automate flows, and other Power Platform components.

Some Use Cases: How Environment Variables Work Magic

1. API Keys and Credentials:

You can use environment variables to securely store API keys, connection strings, or login credentials. This way, you keep sensitive information safe and make it easier to update them when needed without modifying your entire app or flow.

2. Environment Configuration:

When you have different environments for development, testing, and production, environment variables help you manage settings specific to each environment. You can switch between environments effortlessly without changing your app's core logic.

3. Customization and Branding:

Environment variables aren't just for technical settings. You can use them to customize the look and feel of your apps. For example, you can store colour schemes, logos, or branding details as environment variables, allowing you to change the app's appearance with a few clicks

Now, let's dive little bit into it with a use case, which explains how to use environment variables in Power Automate flows within a solution:

Harnessing the Power of Environment Variables in Power Automate Flows.

In the ever-expanding universe of the Power Platform, effective configuration management is the key to building efficient workflows and automations. One of the most potent tools in this quest is Environment Variables. In this guide, we will explore how to leverage environment variables within Power Automate flows under a solution.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using Environment Variables in Power Automate Flows by taking a simple use case.

** In this use case we have already created a SharePoint Site [DevWithSharepoint] and List [Student], we’ll be using environment variable in Power Automate flow and submit data to SharePoint list which contains two columns Title, First Name And Last Name .

Step 1: First we will create a solution

- After selecting your desired environment

• To create new solution Start by navigating to the New Solution.

• After clicking "New Solution" to create a new solution variable - Define its name and all the necessary details.

• Once solution is created it’ll appear on solution’s list, Open it by clicking on Solution Name.

• Navigate to the “Environment Variable’’ by clicking on the “+New” under “More” option.

• To create a new environment variable. Define its name, data type, and initial value. We have taken example for data source environment variables "var_SiteName" with a Data Source data type. Also map current SharePoint site URL under “Current Site” field.

• We’ll create once one more environment variable for share point list by following same steps as above.

• Once variables are created you’ll be able to find them under Solution.

Step 2: Incorporate the Environment Variable in a Flow

• Now, let's build a flow that uses this environment variable.
• You can directly build a flow from Solution, or by opening Power Automate in new tab (Make sure to select same environment).

• Create a new flow/ can also work on existing one.
• Give a name to your flow, will be using Manual trigger flow for our use case.

• In your flow, add a step where you need to use the "Environment Variable". For our example we’ll use SharePoint “Create Item”.

• In the relevant field, after clicking on text field, Select “Enter custom Value”

• Now search for Environment Variable name, to access the environment variable.

• We have selected both the variables on their respective fields.
• Then save your Power automate flow.

• Once the flow is saved, test your flow to ensure it functions correctly with the environment variable.

• Now once the flow has ran successfully you can check the SharePoint list has been updated with the provided data.