Do I need to be a developer or purchase some kind of plan to use powerapps?

[Mcnfckmsft]

Because it is ridiculously hard to use? Do I need more skills or knowledge then say working with IFTTT? Why does access seem so easy to use in comparison for a new user? Why should I use sharepoint?

Tags I suggested - Wtf, wtftags, new user, impossible, why does nothing ever work

[mdevaney]

Hi there @Mcnfckmsft. From your post I can tell you are pretty frustrated with PowerApps right now.  While I don't know your specific situation, I do believe PowerApps is a skill that can be learned.  For context, I am a hobbiest programmer who knows a little bit about Python, SQL and Web Development.  At first, I tried to use PowerApps without any training and was totally frustrated.  Then a friend of mine suggested I watch the course EdX Course - Developing Business Applications with Microsoft PowerApps, CDS, and Flow and it did a great job of explaining the basics.  From there I went on to Youtube and found some great channels with videos by Shane Young, Audrie Gordon and Pragmatic Works.  Whenever I hit a roadblock I can't solve myself I come here to the community forum to read the posts of people who are insanely knowledgable.

I believe that you can be successful at this.  From your post I can tell you use IFTTT and Access.  While PowerApps is a very different product the skills you learned from using those two apps can definitely be applied here.  Hopefully, by describing the way I have started to learn PowerApps it will give you an idea of one possible way to do it (and by the way I'm definitely not done learning).

[v-yutliu-msft]

Hi @Mcnfckmsft ,

I suggest you try PowerApps trial plan firstly.

This is valid in 30 days. Most functions are availabel in this plan. It is maninly be used to learn PowerApps. So it can only be used personal. "Sharing" and "environment" is not supported in this plan.

After you general understand PowerApps, you could buy a plan based on your demands.

Please note that the new license options will relase in Octor. I suggest you consider buying it when the new version relases.

Here's a doc about it for your reference:

https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/new-licensing-options-for-powerapps-and-flow/

Even if PowerApps is low-code platform, but you also need some skills about programing. So you need some time to learn it. However, it will be easier than other programing platform.

Here's a doc about how to use PowerApps in details for your reference:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/powerapps-overview

This is a really good learning doc.

Sharepoint is a data source that PowerApps usually use.

You could also use other data source. PowerApps supports a lot. Using sharepoint is not necessary. It's just an option.

Here's a doc about PowerApps supporting data soucre for your reference:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/10to8/

Best regards,

[Mcnfckmsft]

I appreciate the thoughtful responses to my **bleep**(ish) post. I have taken a deep breath and realized I am clearly confusing what I need right now to complete various work tasks and the dream of a far more automated back office. It would almost certainly be more efficient to use a third party solution. There are so many options in office and the various platforms it’s difficult to comprehend. I appreciate the docs although I found those through reddit. Which leads me to two potential constructive criticisms.

1. Anytime I look for help on a Microsoft site I inevitably end up on a page selling me the service I already have. Multiple times. So I find myself googling questions and sometimes that takes me back to Microsoft and sometimes not.
This may also be an issue with my Microsoft v. Work sign in which also is a major source of frustration.
2. It seems like a roadmap for solo/very small groups using office would make sense. This may exist.
But thanks again for the replies

[mdevaney]

@Mcnfckmsft 

Speaking  having are so many options in office and the various platforms it’s difficult to comprehend... I thought this image might make you chuckle.  Somebody put together all the O365 programs into a periodic table