Adding Comments Functionality in SharePoint Integrated Power App

[Emily_WIT]

Hello Community,

After hours of trial and error with Patch() and Update() functions, I decided I needed some help.

I have created item comment functionality with stand-alone Power Apps in the past. However, I am specifically working with a SharePoint Integrated App without a Gallery or the ability to select an item outside the SharePoint list.

I need to be able to Patch or Update the existing Notes column with text from a TextInput box. Each time I try the Patch() function, it creates a new item or fails and I cannot manage get a collection working for this App. I guess I am rusty on SharePoint Integrated/Out-of-the-box Power App customization.

Here's what it looks like:

The "Notes" is view only and the function of the Comment is to add the date and username in front of the comment for consistency. I am familiar with how to do that. I just need the initial instructions on the best way to Patch or Update the Notes section without creating a new item. I am also struggling with when the items is new vs existing. The comments need to work in both cases.

Any help that people could provide would be helpful. 

Thank you!

[BrianS]

When you use Patch you tell it to create a new record with this syntax:

Patch( Table, Defaults( Table ), { Comments: TextInput1.Text } )

If you want to add to an existing record you specify that instead of the "Defaults",

Patch( Table, Lookup( Table, ID = Form1.LastSubmit.ID ), { { Comments: User.Name & Today() &  TextInput1.Text } } )

To decide which to use you could set a variable before you submit the form. Check the form Mode - if it is New use the first version if it is Edit use the second version

[Emily_WIT]

Thank you for your reply, Brian!

It was creating a new item even without the Defualts(Table).

I have not used the function of LastSubmit.ID because that doesn't make much sense to me. Do I need to have the Patch() function on the Submit button of the form with the SubmitForm() function added before the Patch() function for it to truly update the last submitted item (i.e. SubmitForm(SharePointForm1); Patch( Table, Lookup( Table, ID = Form1.LastSubmit.ID ), { { Comments: User.Name & Today() &  TextInput1.Text } } ) )?

I think I can figure out what to do with new vs existing once I figure out that logic.

[BrianS · Accepted solution]

LastSubmit gives you the record Submit just created or updated. You need the ID to put in the Patch command so it knows which record to effect. You need to put the Patch command in the OnSuccess property of the form. That way it will run once the data has been successfully written by the form. You do not want to put anything in the same line as SubmitForm - it needs to be by itself. If you add additional commands they will run even if the Submit fails. The Patch would be something like:

Patch( Table, Form1.LastSubmit.ID, {  Comments: User.Name & Today() &  TextInput1.Text }  )

You only need a Lookup if you do not have the ID and need to use another field to find the record.

Here is the documentation on Patch:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/maker/canvas-apps/functions/function-patch

[Emily_WIT]

OnSucess is what I needed. The logic was not clicking for me.

Thank you!

FYI here is the working formula for the OnSucess value of SharePointForm1 with the Notes text box being "DataCardValue4":

Patch(
    'Table',
    SharePointForm1.LastSubmit,
    {
        Notes: DataCardValue4.Text & "

" & Today() & " - " & User().FullName & " - " & TextInput1.Text
    }
);
Refresh('Table');
ResetForm(Self)

[Emily_WIT]

Hey Brian,

I know you already resolved this issue, but would you have any idea why every new comment would be blank:

Example: Bottom was the first comment that should say "Test 1" when item was new.

Here is my formula:

If(
    SharePointForm1.Mode = FormMode.New,
    Patch(
        'Table',
        Defaults('Table'),
        {
            Notes: Today() & " - " & User().FullName & " - " & TextInput1.Text & "
"
        }
    ),
    Patch(
        'Table',
        SharePointForm1.LastSubmit,
        {
            Notes: Today() & " - " & User().FullName & " - " & TextInput1.Text & "
" & SharePointForm1.LastSubmit.Notes
        }
    )
);
Refresh('Table');
ResetForm(Self);
Exit()

[BrianS]

Actually I think that The problem lies with what I told you about the New Mode. That doesn't really matter, as I think about it because you will always be needing the ID of the last submit because the Note always needs to be on a record that has other data. Just delete the If and the first Patch and make the code:

Patch( 'Table',
SharePointForm1.LastSubmit,
{
Notes: Today() & " - " & User().FullName & " - " & TextInput1.Text & "
" & SharePointForm1.LastSubmit.Notes
});
ResetForm(Self);
Exit()

You should not need the Refresh - it will handle that on it's own I believe

Sorry I led you astray!

[Emily_WIT]

You're fine! I actually don't think that's the issue, though maybe just unneeded formula.

I'm still having the issue where it just doesn't pull in the new comment when the item is new. It's so bizarre because it does pull in the Date and Current User and the other text. I checked the flows connected to this app and none should be interfering with this formula.

Patch(
        'Table',
        SharePointForm1.LastSubmit,
        {
            Notes: Today() & " - " & User().FullName & " - " & TextInput1.Text & "
" & SharePointForm1.LastSubmit.Notes
        }
    )
;
ResetForm(Self)

[BrianS]

But it works correctly on "old" records?

[Emily_WIT]

Correct. "Old" or "Existing" items have comments working just fine.