In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a powerful and flexible custom hierarchy tree viewer in PowerApps using the PowerApps Component Framework (PCF). This custom control allows users to navigate through hierarchical data structures with ease and manage the selection of items efficiently.

Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment

Before diving into the development process, ensure you have the necessary tools in place:

Visual Studio Code: https://code.visualstudio.com/Download

Node.js: https://nodejs.org/en/download

Microsoft Power Platform CLI: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/developer/cli/introduction#install-power-apps-cli

.NET Build Tools: https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/6.0

Step 2: Create a New PCF Project

Create a new folder for your PCF project.

Open Visual Studio Code and run the following command to initialize your project:

pac pcf init –namespace SampleNamespace –name HierarchyTreeViewer –template field –run-npm-install

Step 3: Edit the Control Manifest

Customize the control manifest file (manifest.json) according to your project’s needs. This file defines metadata and configuration for the custom control, including properties and resources.

Run the following command to generate the ManifestDesignTypes.d.ts file: npm run refreshTypes

Step 4: Implement Component Logic

In your PCF project’s index.ts file, implement the logic for your custom hierarchy tree viewer. Key methods include:

init: Initializes the control, sets up the initial state, and renders the hierarchy tree.

renderHierarchy: Creates and renders the hierarchical structure based on the provided data.

handleCheckboxChange: Manages the state when a checkbox is changed, updating child and parent checkboxes accordingly.

fetchAndRenderHierarchy: Method serves as a critical component in the lifecycle of the custom hierarchy tree viewer. By efficiently retrieving and organizing data, it lays the foundation for a responsive and dynamic user interface within PowerApps. Regularly review and optimize this method to align with evolving application requirements and ensure optimal performance.

toggleHierarchyPopup: This method toggles the visibility of the hierarchy popup. It manages the display of the hierarchy container and ensures a smooth user experience.

handleModalClick: This method handles clicks on the modal container. If the user clicks outside the hierarchy popup, it triggers the toggle to close the popup.

Step 5: Build and Debug Your Control

Build your PCF project using the following command:

npm run build

Debug your control locally with:

npm start watch

Step 6: Import Your Custom Control into PowerApps

Create a new solution project in the Power Platform.

Add a reference to the location where your custom component is located.

Build the solution using the dotnet build command.

Import your solution into PowerApps.

Output: Custom Hierarchy Tree Viewer in PowerApps

Once your custom hierarchy tree viewer is imported into PowerApps, you gain access to a powerful tool that enhances your application’s data navigation capabilities. Let’s explore the key features and additional considerations in the output stage.

Integration with PowerApps:

Seamless Integration: Integrate the custom control into your PowerApps forms and layouts seamlessly.

Configuration Options: Configure the control’s properties and behavior according to your application’s needs.

Responsive Design: Enjoy a responsive design that fits well within the PowerApps environment.

What Does the Custom Hierarchy Trees Viewer Do?

The custom hierarchy trees viewer created using PowerApps Component Framework enables users to:

Navigate Hierarchies: Easily explore hierarchical data structures within PowerApps. On click on + icon we can expand the heirarchy.

On click on – icon we can collapse the hierarchy…

Checkbox Controls: Manage checkbox states for entities, allowing for selections and deselections.

Save Checkbox State: Save the state of checkbox selections for future reference.

Benefits and Results:

Implementing this custom hierarchy trees viewer with checkbox controls in your PowerApps applications offers additional benefits:

Data Management: Efficiently manage hierarchical data relationships.

User Interaction: Provide users with an interactive and intuitive way to navigate and select entities.

State Persistence: Save and retrieve the state of checkbox selections for a seamless user experience.

Conclusion:

Creating a custom hierarchy tree viewer in PowerApps using the PowerApps Component Framework allows you to elevate the user experience and efficiently manage hierarchical data. By following the steps outlined above, you can build and use a custom control tailored to your specific requirements without delving into the technical details of the code.

With features like intuitive navigation, checkbox selection, dynamic rendering, and state preservation, your custom hierarchy tree viewer brings advanced data navigation and management capabilities to your PowerApps applications. Enhance your applications by seamlessly integrating this custom control, streamlining data navigation, and ensuring accurate data management.