Possible to have varying number of collections?

[17ngujason]

I have a gallery that is going to have variable lengths based on previous input. For example, if I select Option A the gallery will have 4 items and if I select Option B it will have 2 items. For each item in the gallery, I want to be able to search and select from a dropdown a result. So Option B will have 2 search boxes and dropdowns.

The search box will filter out data from a table based on what is inputted. And I want to be able to select in the dropdown for that specific item if there are multiple results.

However, I am having trouble setting up the gallery so that that the dropdown can have its own set of results to choose from.

As seen in the picture, I can search in the first box. When I hit the search button, I have it perform an UpdateContext to set it to a filtered out table. Using that context table, the dropdown will perform a GroupBy to show the results to select from.

Since I am updating the same context with each search button, all of the dropdowns will show the same results since it is performing a GroupBy on the same context table.

To fix this, I am thinking of having a varying number of collections that each search will filter from the original data table and update, allowing each dropdown to source from its own collection. Open to suggestions on if there is a better way of doing this. Thanks!

[Hassan_SZ_365]

Hi @17ngujason ,

1. Create Unique Collections: For each item in the gallery, dynamically create a unique collection. This collection will store the filtered results specific to that item's search box.

2. Use the OnChange Property: In each search box, utilize the OnChange property to update its respective collection. This can be done using a formula like ClearCollect(CollectionName, Filter(DataSource, Criteria)), where CollectionName is dynamically generated or determined based on the item's position in the gallery.

3. Bind Dropdowns to Collections: Bind each dropdown to its corresponding collection. This ensures that each dropdown shows results specific to its associated search box.

4. Optimize Performance: To maintain performance, consider using delegation-friendly functions and limit the number of items processed.

Example Code:

// Assuming 'Gallery1' is your gallery control
ForAll(
    Gallery1.AllItems,
    UpdateContext({varCollectionName: "Collection" & ThisRecord.ID});
    ClearCollect(
        LookUp(Collections, Name = varCollectionName), 
        Filter(DataSource, SearchCriteria = ThisRecord.SearchBox.Text)
    )
)

Notes:

• Replace ThisRecord.ID with a unique identifier for each gallery item.
• Adjust DataSource and SearchCriteria to match your data and search boxes.
• This approach dynamically creates and updates collections for each gallery item.

This method offers a tailored solution, ensuring that each dropdown reflects specific search results, enhancing the user experience and data accuracy in your PowerApp.

Best Regards,

Hassan Raza

[17ngujason]

It seems that I cannot perform an UpdateContext within a ForAll, do you have any suggestions on how I can dynamically create these Collection names?