Building apps with copilot in power apps

AI–Human Collaboration: Building Apps with Copilot in Power Apps

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Microsoft Power Apps has been a leader in AI-centric app development since 2021 when they first introduced GPT-based features for generating Power Fx from natural language.

However, Microsoft has recently announced the next step in the evolution of code abstraction with the release of Copilot for Power Apps, a next-generation AI copilot that will revolutionize the way we build and interact with software applications.

Copilot for Power Apps is an exciting new development that is set to transform the world of low-code development and natural language authoring as humans and machines come together to build applications in a more intuitive and efficient way.

Let’s take a look at what this new AI copilot brings to the table!

What is Copilot?

As an AI-powered tool providing intelligent assistance to developers building apps in Microsoft Power Apps, it uses Machine Learning models to analyze user input and provide suggestions for formulas, functions, and app design. In a nutshell, copilot can help developers by automating repetitive tasks and suggesting more efficient ways to build apps.

However, now with the power of large language models, Copilot in Power Apps will allow developers and app builders to create applications through natural language conversations with the software!

How Does Copilot Work?

By simply describing what is needed, Copilot will instantly generate an application complete with data tables and back-end logic. This innovation will make app creation faster, simpler, and more intuitive than ever before.

Copilot for Power Apps leverages the power of large language models to enable humans and machines to work together in building applications. With this tool, app builders can create an app, including the data behind it, just by describing what they need through multiple steps of conversation. The applications can even have copilot-powered experiences built in from the very first screen, enabling users to discover insights through conversation instead of clicks.

Here are just some examples of natural language prompts you can use:

  • “I need an app that helps my employees submit time and expense reports.”
  • “Can you build an app to automate creating and approving customer invoices?”
  • “I would like an employee onboarding app that captures new hire data as well as provides training content.”

Copilot in Power Apps also suggests options and helps populate data tables with sample data, providing proactive recommendations on how the user can enhance their application if they get stuck. All these features make Copilot in Power Apps an AI copilot that makes creating apps much faster and simpler!

Native Integration of Power Virtual Agents

In addition, Microsoft Apps also features native integration of AI-powered Power Virtual Agents into Power Apps, making it simple for developers to add AI-enhanced bots powered by Power Virtual Agents to their applications. Simply activate and enter the bot schema name, and the bot is ready to support users with the latest PWA features, including conversation boosters and natural language bot building functionalities.

Copilot Use Cases

Possible use cases for Copilot in Power Apps are numerous; developers may utilize it to build custom apps for their organization, automate manual processes or generate apps from uploaded images. Copilot is an invaluable tool that makes app development simpler and faster.

It can aid app development in several ways. First, it can assist with formula writing by suggesting appropriate syntax and parameters quickly. Next, it provides code snippets that automate tasks such as sending emails or creating records in databases. Furthermore, Copilot offers guidance for structuring and designing an app, such as suggesting which controls to use or where to best place them on the screen.

Copilot can make app development even easier by suggesting complex formulas. Say, for instance, you need an app that calculates total order cost with taxes and discounts included; simply type “calculate the total cost,” and it will provide suggestions of all necessary variables and calculations – this can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re not familiar with all the syntax and functions required to build the formula from scratch.

Trusting Copilot to “Fly” App Development

To use Copilot effectively, it’s important to be specific in your requests and provide as much context as possible. For example, if you are trying to create a new record in a database, specify which table and fields you want to include in the record.

While Copilot can be a helpful tool, it’s important to note that it is not a replacement for human expertise and judgment. Copilot may not always provide the most optimal or secure solution, and it’s important to review and test the code generated by Copilot before using it in a production environment.

In summary, Copilot for Power Apps is the next step in AI-first development, transforming how we build and interact with software applications. With its intuitive, natural language authoring and the integration of AI-empowered chatbots, users can create an app with just a few words, and Copilot can even provide proactive recommendations on how to improve it. If you’re looking to build an app for your organization, Copilot in Power Apps is definitely worth exploring.

At TopNotch, we have years of experience in using Microsoft Power Apps and have already worked with Copilot integrations as well. If you need any assistance in building an app or integrating Copilot in Power Apps, contact our Top-Notchers or sign up for a free audit and we can help you create the apps you’ve always wanted!