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Microsoft PL-200: What Are the Key Capabilities of Virtual Tables in Microsoft Dataverse?

Explore the essential capabilities of virtual tables in Microsoft Dataverse, including data provider requirements, default columns, and integration features. Perfect for PL-200 exam prep.

Table of Contents

Question

A company is evaluating the capabilities in Dataverse and the scenarios for using virtual tables.

You need to identify the capabilities of virtual tables.

What is a capability of virtual tables?

A. Virtual tables can be configured for user and team ownership.
B. Virtual tables support Dataverse auditing.
C. Virtual tables contain columns for Status, Created On, and Modified On by default.
D. Virtual tables require configuration of a data provider.

Answer

D. Virtual tables require configuration of a data provider.

Explanation

Virtual tables in Microsoft Dataverse are a powerful feature that allows you to integrate external data sources into your Dataverse environment without physically replicating the data. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the capabilities of virtual tables and why option D is the correct answer:

Data Provider Requirement: Virtual tables require configuration of a data provider because they act as a bridge between Dataverse and external data sources. The data provider is responsible for handling the communication and data translation between Dataverse and the external system. This configuration is essential for virtual tables to function properly and retrieve data from the external source.

Ownership Limitations (Option A is incorrect): Unlike standard Dataverse tables, virtual tables cannot be configured for user and team ownership. This is because the data in virtual tables is not physically stored in Dataverse, and ownership concepts are typically managed by the external data source.

Auditing Support (Option B is incorrect): Virtual tables do not support Dataverse auditing. Auditing features are typically available for standard Dataverse tables where data is physically stored and managed within the platform. Since virtual tables represent external data, auditing must be handled by the external system if required.

Default Columns (Option C is incorrect): Virtual tables do not automatically contain columns for Status, Created On, and Modified On by default. These system columns are standard for regular Dataverse tables but are not inherently part of virtual tables. The structure of a virtual table is determined by the schema of the external data source it represents.

Additional important points about virtual tables:

  • Real-time data access: Virtual tables provide real-time access to external data without the need for data replication or synchronization.
  • Schema mapping: The schema of the virtual table must be mapped to the schema of the external data source.
  • Read-only by default: Virtual tables are typically read-only by default, but can be configured for write operations if the data provider supports it.
  • Performance considerations: Queries on virtual tables may have different performance characteristics compared to standard Dataverse tables, as data retrieval depends on the external system’s response time.
  • Security: Access to virtual tables can be controlled using Dataverse security roles, but the underlying data security is still managed by the external system.

Understanding the capabilities and limitations of virtual tables is crucial for effectively integrating external data into Dataverse solutions and for success in the Microsoft PL-200 certification exam.

Microsoft PL-200 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Microsoft PL-200 exam and earn Microsoft PL-200 certification.