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  • Writer's pictureAnia
    • May 31
    • 7 min read

PCF 4 PCF: Practical Consideration Factors for Power Apps Component Framework

Introduction

Power Platform offers a variety of different features and components that allow users to create robust applications with minimal coding. One of the key components of this platform is the Power Apps Component Framework (PCF).

Over the last few years, I become a real fan of the PCFs. Leveraging PCFs can significantly enhance the user experience, making applications more intuitive, responsive, and engaging.


However, I have also learnt that "all that glitters is not always gold". There are a few factors that must to be considered when deciding if there is an actual need to use a PCF, how to approach the PCF selection process and what to look out for.


In today’s blog, I would like to explore the essence of PCFs, when to harness their potential and how they can transform the user experience. I will also focus on the nuances between Microsoft-provided components, leveraging the PCF gallery, or building your own custom PCF.

 

What is it?

Power Apps Component Framework allows developers to create custom controls for model-driven and canvas apps. The new highly customised and interactive components can seamlessly integrate with the Power Apps thanks to the framework flexibility.


When to use them & impact on UX

PCF is best utilised in scenarios where the standard look & feel and Power Apps controls do not meet specific business requirements or when there is a need for a more enhanced user interface. Here’s a closer look at how PCFs can elevate the user experience with some examples:


Custom UI requirements

When a unique user interface is needed that standard controls cannot provide, such as specialised data input or display. PCFs can be tailored to precise business needs and branding guidelines. That ensures that users interact with an interface that feels familiar and aligned with other apps they might use.

Example: Designing a custom calendar control that aligns with the company’s unique scheduling requirements, incorporating specific features and styling that resonate with its branding.


Advanced Data Visualization

When advanced data visualisation is required.

PCFs enable the development of sophisticated data visualization tools that can present information in more meaningful and interactive ways. This capability is crucial for applications that rely heavily on data analysis and reporting.

Example: Creating an interactive dashboard with custom charts and graphs that update in real-time helps users make informed decisions based on the latest data insights.


Performance Optimisation

When standard controls do not need the high performance and responsiveness demand.

Custom-built PCF components can be optimised for performance, ensuring that applications run smoothly even with complex logic or large data sets. Faster load times and improved responsiveness directly contribute to a better user experience.

Example: A data-intensive application can benefit from a custom data grid that loads and sorts data efficiently, providing users with quick access to information without delay.


Complex Business Logic

When the application requires complex logic that standard controls cannot handle.

PCFs are ideal for applications requiring intricate business logic that standard controls cannot manage. This ensures that the application can perform complex calculations, validations, and data manipulations seamlessly.

Example: A financial application can include a custom control that accurately calculates and displays complex loan repayment schedules based on various interest rates and payment plans.


Enhanced Interactivity

When more interactive components are required to offer richer user experiences compared to standard controls. PCFs support the creation of more interactive features like drag-and-drop functionality, real-time data updates, and custom animations which helps to make applications more engaging and user-friendly.

Example: Implementing a drag-and-drop interface for managing project tasks allows users to intuitively prioritise and organise their work, enhancing usability and satisfaction.

 

Mobile-Specific Needs

When building Power Apps with controls optimised for mobile devices. PCF framework supports creating a more responsive and intuitive user experience tailored for use on smaller screens.

Example: A mobile sales app can feature a custom-built touch-friendly navigation menu that improves accessibility and usability on smartphones and tablets.


Dynamic Content Display

For scenarios where content needs to be dynamically generated and displayed based on user interactions. This adaptability enhances the overall user experience by providing relevant information when needed, making applications more responsive and personalised.

Example: An app can use PCFs to dynamically display suggestions or recommendations based on the user’s pre-set preferences.


PCF Selection

If you have determined that PCF is the optimal solution for your customer’s use case or requirement, the next step is to consider your options. These include: Microsoft own PCFs, PCF Gallery and building custom PCFs.

 

Microsoft PCFs

For relatively straightforward, common scenarios, always refer to the Microsoft PCFs in the first instance. Options include, inter alia:

  • Displaying numeric text value as a dial or slider code.

  • Displaying entity list as a calendar or a map.

  • Using input control to help users enter data quickly.

  • Using option set control to present a set of choices for the users to choose from when entering data.

  • And many more.


I trust that these components are built with high quality and standards. They are maintained by Microsoft, which ensures compliance with any new feature releases or depreciation. Generally, I also perceive them as more secure and reliable. Additionally, they also come with Microsoft’s official support and documentation.


However, on the other hand, they sometimes might be too generic and may not meet the acceptance criteria of very specific business needs. They also offer quite limited variety, especially when compared to the community gallery.


PCF gallery

PCF gallery offers a wide selection of components built by the Power Platform community. Some of the existing components can be downloaded as ready-to-import solutions, so ideal for a more functional consultant like myself. Some of them come as code only and require technical knowledge and skills. Some offer both.

Thanks to the variety of choices, they are more likely to help you to meet more complicated customers’ needs and requirements. The package solutions are ready-to-use and can be quickly installed, bringing time saving compared to developing new components. They are also more cost-effective as mostly they are free.


However, before deciding to use them, I would recommend a careful consideration of the availability options. First of all, you need to be mindful that the quality of these component varies and that also includes the performance quality. Also, these components might have either very limited support and more likely complete lack of any official support. It does not mean that you need to avoid them all together.


Nevertheless, it’s advisable to check when exactly the component has been created and if there were any regular updates to it. Also check if the creator has any other components and how regularly they were updated.


Do not get me wrong – I do not discriminate against the new creators, I absolutely love seeing all the new and amazing PCFs popping out on the PCF Gallery. However, I also like to have a practical approach to my selection. I always want to make ensure that my customer will not encounter any issues caused by lack of official support of a tool that I would have recommend. If you cannot find any official statement from the PCF creator, reach out to them and engage in a conversation about potential plans for maintaining the component.


Most of the creators are helpful and that will give you a sense of what you’re signing up for (or what you are signing your customer for).


The last thing to remember is that more likely the creator built the component for their specific customer’s requirement. Sometimes that might imply that the component may not fully meet your customer specific requirements without modification. If the PCF comes only as a package solution, you need to be aware of the customisation limitation.


However, balancing the pros and cons, I still invite you to regularly explore the offering of the gallery: https://pcf.gallery


You can also follow the PCF gallery on LinkedIn to keep an eye on the latest tools coming out: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pcfgallery


If you don’t know where to start with the PFC Gallery, below is a series of articles from Marcel Broschk who explains some of the key solutions.

  • Top 10 PCF Solutions from PCF Gallery:

  • Another 10 PCF from PCF gallery:

 

Build your own

After reviewing the tools available from Microsoft and the PCF Gallery, you might still find that none fully meet all your requirements. In that case, your best option is to build your own PCF.

Although this approach is neither the easiest nor the quickest, it offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it grants you complete control over the component, allowing you to design and build it to precisely meet your customer requirements. Furthermore, you can optimise its performance for your specific use case. Additionally, you can ensure that the component fully aligns with your customer brand and design guidelines.


However, this option isn't always feasible. It requires more time and a dedicated development resource with the appropriate skill set to build the component. Additionally, your customer must be willing to cover the cost of bespoke development. Depending on the cost-benefit analysis, pursuing this option might not be worthwhile. Besides the initial development cost, you must also consider the ongoing expenses for maintenance and updates. Lastly, it is crucial to determine who will be responsible for these maintenance tasks.


If this approach is still the most appropriate and you would like to learn how to build your own PCFs, below are some key resources to use:


Diana Birkelbach


Carl de Souza

 

Microsoft


Conclusion

The use of Power Apps Component Framework can significantly elevate the user experience by enabling the creation of custom, interactive, and highly performant components. Whether it's through enhanced interactivity, advanced data visualisation, or optimisation for mobile devices, PCFs offer a versatile and powerful toolset for developers aiming to deliver top-notch applications. By understanding and leveraging these capabilities, businesses can create more engaging, efficient, and user-friendly Power Apps that meet and exceed user expectations.


When deciding which type of PCF to use - Microsoft-provided, from the PCF Gallery, or custom-built - consider the specific requirements, available resources, and long-term support needs to make the best choice for your project and your customer.

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