Power Automate Connectors and Triggers

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Questions and Answers

What role does a connector play in the Power Platform?

It serves as a proxy wrapper for external APIs. (correct)

It replaces the need for application programming interfaces.

It creates automated flows without user intervention.

It acts as a direct access point to the data source.

Which trigger type is characterized by checking for new data at scheduled intervals?

Polling trigger (correct)

Event-based trigger

Push trigger

Manual trigger

What major function do triggers associated with data connectors serve in Power Automate?

To initiate flows when changes in a data source occur. (correct)

To create workflows without any user interaction.

To handle authentication for external APIs.

To provide analytics on flow performance.

In the context of Power Automate, what is the key difference between polling and push triggers?

Polling triggers check for data at intervals, while push triggers respond to real-time notifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would most likely utilize a manual trigger?

Activating a flow upon user action, such as clicking a button. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of connectors in the Power Platform?

They can interact with outside applications through proxies. Signup and view all the answers

Which option best explains the term 'automated flow' in Power Automate?

A flow triggered by a response from an external event. Signup and view all the answers

What endpoints are involved when using push triggers?

They communicate with external applications awaiting notifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is NOT provided when running the Custom Connector Wizard?

Create from existing database Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of creating a custom connector using the Custom Connector Wizard?

General Signup and view all the answers

Which authentication methods can be selected during the Security stage of the Custom Connector Wizard?

Basic authentication, OAuth 2.0, and API Key Signup and view all the answers

What does the Test stage of the Custom Connector Wizard allow developers to do?

Test specific operations in the custom connector Signup and view all the answers

What must be done for a custom connector to be shared with users outside the organization?

It must be submitted for certification by Microsoft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for connectors that are certified and published by Microsoft?

They must be released as open source software Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does the developer create the connector’s actions, triggers, and policies?

Definition Signup and view all the answers

What does the Custom Connector Wizard require from developers in the General stage?

Choosing an icon and color for the connector Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an instant flow in Power Automate?

It requires user interaction to launch. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes actions in Power Automate?

They represent modifications made to data from external applications. Signup and view all the answers

What type of connectors requires a standalone license in Power Automate?

Premium connectors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about custom connectors is true?

Users require their own credentials for authentication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines scheduled flows?

They activate based on a specific date and time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of premium connectors?

They require a per user plan for access. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation when using custom connectors?

They are restricted to one environment only. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a standard connector from a premium one?

Standard connectors are available to all licensees regardless of the plan. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would a developer need to create a custom connector?

When the application has no existing API. Signup and view all the answers

Which task can be performed using actions in Power Automate?

Modifying external data through connectors. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for licensed Microsoft 365 and Office 365 users to access premium connectors?

A standalone Power Apps or Power Automate license. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a custom connector communicates with a third-party application that lacks an API?

The developer must create an API to facilitate communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about actions in Power Automate?

Actions can perform tasks without any triggers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is NOT true regarding connectors in Power Automate?

Custom connectors can be used in any environment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Connectors

Connectors facilitate interaction between Power Apps/Automate and external applications, services, and data files.
Hundreds of pre-built connectors exist; custom connectors can be created for unsupported services.
Connectors act as proxies, authenticating with external APIs and providing access to their data.

Triggers

Triggers initiate Power Automate flows.
Trigger types include:
- Scheduled: Flows launch at specific times.
- Event-based: Flows launch when a user action occurs (e.g., item creation).
- Data-based: Flows trigger based on changes in data sources (e.g., SharePoint item creation).
Automated flows use polling or push triggers.
- Polling: Regularly checks external data sources for changes.
- Push: Listens for external service notifications.
Instant flows use triggers tied to app controls.
Scheduled flows use developer-configured triggers.

Actions

Actions modify external application/service data.
Actions often follow a trigger in Power Automate but can be used in Power Apps.
Actions enable tasks like sending emails or modifying data sources.
Connectors' available actions depend on the services or applications they connect to.

Connector Licensing

Two types of connectors exist: standard and premium.
Standard connectors are accessible to all Power Apps/Automate license holders.
Premium connectors require standalone Power Apps or Power Automate licenses.
Microsoft 365/Office 365 users only have access to standard connectors.

Custom Connectors

Custom connectors are created for data sources lacking public connectors.
Custom connectors are specific to the environment they are built in, accessible only by apps/flows in that environment.
Credentials for custom connectors are not shared like public connectors
APIs may or may not exist for the application a developer wants to create a connector for, this may require creating one e.g. using Azure tools.
Custom connectors can be created from scratch, using Azure services, or importing OpenAPI files or Postman collections.
A wizard guides the developer through creation stages: General (icon, host name), Security (authentication method), Definition (actions, triggers), and Test.
Custom connectors can be shared within an organization.
Connectors that need to be shared outside the organization must be certified by Microsoft, then tested before being publicly released.
Certified and published connectors must be released as open-source software.

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Description

Test your knowledge of connectors and triggers in Power Automate. This quiz covers the types of connectors available, how triggers initiate flows, and the different types of flows used in the platform. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of automating processes with Power Apps.