Introduction
Microsoft Power Apps provides two primary app-building approaches—Canvas Apps and Model-Driven Apps. Both offer low-code development capabilities but differ in their structure, flexibility, and use cases.
Canvas Power Apps
Canvas Apps offer a high level of customization, allowing developers to design the user interface from scratch. Businesses can connect Canvas Apps to multiple data sources such as SharePoint, Excel, and Dataverse. These apps are best suited for scenarios where businesses require complete control over layout and user experience.
Model-Driven Apps
Model-Driven Apps are designed for process-driven applications and are built on Microsoft Dataverse. They follow a structured, data-first approach, automatically generating responsive interfaces based on predefined business rules. These apps are ideal for organizations using Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP, ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows.
Use Cases
Retail companies use Canvas Apps to build customized point-of-sale applications, allowing store employees to check inventory and process sales. Financial institutions implement Model-Driven Apps to manage customer onboarding processes, ensuring compliance and streamlining workflows.