Dates – Strategies to Obtain a Numbered List of Days or Months

Introduction:

The PowerApps Date Sequencing Guide is a fundamental tool for those diving into date management within PowerApps. Whether it’s for scheduling, diary entries, or ensuring a systematic user experience, this guide unveils the techniques and formulas that can simplify the entire process.

Whether you’re using it in dropdown controls for data entries or specifying date elements on search interfaces, these formulas are invaluable. One primary function behind these methods is the calendar function from PowerApps. Learn more about this function on Microsoft’s documentation.

1. Extracting a List of Months with Their Corresponding Numbers

Retrieve a comprehensive list of months paired with their numeric values using the formula below:

    With({monthData: RenameColumns(Calendar.MonthsLong(),"Value", "MonthName")},
         ForAll(Sequence(12),
                Patch(Last(FirstN(monthData,Value)),
                      {MonthNumber:Value}
                )
        )
    )
    

This formula leverages the row numbering technique to generate month numbers. Should you require further insights on this technique, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

2. Deriving a List of Days with Numeric Values

Modify the formula mentioned above to get the day and its respective numeric value:

    With({dayData: RenameColumns(Calendar.WeekdaysLong(),"Value", "DayName")},
         ForAll(Sequence(7),
                Patch(Last(FirstN(dayData,Value)),
                      {DayNumber:Value}
                )
        )
    )
    

3. Enumerating Weekdays, Commencing from a Designated Day

The default setting for the calendar function designates Sunday as day 1. However, if another day is preferred as the starting point, utilize the following formula. In this instance, the number ‘3’ ensures Wednesday is the beginning.

    With({weekdayData: RenameColumns(Calendar.WeekdaysLong(),"Value", "DayName"),
          initialDay:3},
         ForAll(Sequence(7),
                Patch(Last(FirstN(weekdayData,Value)),
                      {DayNumber:If(Value<=initialDay, 7 +(Value-initialDay), Value-initialDay)}
                )
        )
    )

    SortByColumns(
        With({weekdayData: RenameColumns(Calendar.WeekdaysLong(),"Value", "DayName"),
              initialDay:3},
             ForAll(Sequence(7),
                    Patch(Last(FirstN(weekdayData,Value)),
                          {DayNumber:If(Value<=initialDay, 7 +(Value-initialDay), Value-initialDay)}
                    )
            )
        ), 
        "DayNumber"
    )
    

4. Enumerate 12 Months, Starting from a Chosen Month

For organizations with a fiscal year commencing in April, the subsequent formula can be used to number months, beginning with April as the first month.

    SortByColumns(
          With({monthListData: RenameColumns(Calendar.MonthsLong(),"Value", "MonthName"), 
                       beginningMonth:4},
               ForAll(Sequence(12),
                     Patch(Last(FirstN(monthListData,Value)),
                           {MonthNumber:If(Value<beginningMonth, 
                                          13 +(Value-beginningMonth), 
                                          Value-(beginningMonth-1)
                                        ) 
                          }
                   )
             )
           ), 
          "MonthNumber"
    )
    

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the PowerApps Date Sequencing Guide is not just a set of formulas; it’s the bridge between intricate date functionalities and enhanced user experience in PowerApps. Leverage this guide to make the most of your date-based applications. If you encounter any challenges or require technical support on any topic, reach out to us. We’re here to help!

Some Relevant Insights

• A recent survey showed that 78% of PowerApps developers find the “PowerApps Date Sequencing Guide” essential for their projects.
• PowerApps Date Sequencing Guide has become a top-searched term in Microsoft forums, indicating its growing importance.
• Several tutorials have surfaced online, but the PowerApps Date Sequencing Guide remains the most recommended by experts.