Overview

Mastering Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) for the Microsoft Power Platform is key to streamlining deployment and solution management. This course offers a practical guide to improving ALM skills and efficiently managing Power Platform solutions. You’ll learn how to leverage tools like Azure DevOps and GitHub to automate workflows, manage environments, and handle source code. These strategies will help you reduce deployment complexity and enhance solution delivery. The course blends theoretical concepts with real-world applications. You’ll gain actionable insights into best practices, tools, and strategies to manage the ALM lifecycle of your Power Platform projects effectively. Designed for solution architects, developers, and consultants, this course is ideal for those with basic knowledge of Power Platform tools. It will enable you to apply ALM strategies to deliver better, more efficient projects.

Syllabus

An Intro to ALM

In this section, we explore ALM's core components, stages, and tools, emphasizing its role in improving software delivery efficiency and collaboration within the Power Platform.

ALM in Power Platform

In this section, we explore Power Platform ALM terminology, compare it with traditional ALM, and classify solution levels based on complexity and configuration requirements.

Power Platform Environments

In this section, we explore Power Platform environment types, strategies for deployment, and landing zones for governance. Key concepts include environment basics, tiers, and practical applications for data and application management.

Dataverse Solutions

In this section, we explore Dataverse solutions, covering solution layering, segmentation strategies, and export/import processes to enable efficient system customization and maintenance.

Power Platform CLI

In this section, we explore the Power Platform CLI for application lifecycle management, focusing on command groups, solution management, and deployment configuration to enhance automation and workflow efficiency.

Environment Variables, Connection References, and Data

In this section, we explore environment variables, connection references, and configuration data. These elements enhance deployment flexibility and system reliability in ALM processes.

Approaches to Managing Changes in Power Platform ALM

In this section, we examine environment-centric and source code-centric approaches to Power Platform ALM, focusing on version control, branching strategies, and practical implementation for consistent development workflows.

Essential ALM Tooling for Power Platform

In this section, we explore Power Platform ALM tools including pipelines, ALM Accelerator, and Azure DevOps/GitHub. We analyze their roles in deployment and team collaboration.

Project Setup

In this section, we explore setting up Azure DevOps, configuring managed environments, and establishing Power Platform Pipelines (PPP) for efficient application life cycle management (ALM).

Pipelines

In this section, we explore setting up pipelines using Power Platform Pipelines, Azure DevOps, and GitHub, focusing on YAML configuration and comparing source code and environment-centric approaches.

Advanced Techniques

In this section, we explore advanced YAML techniques, settings files, and schema validation to enhance pipeline reliability and data handling in real-world workflows.

Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery

In this section, we explore branching strategies, quality gates, and versioning to enhance CI/CD processes for Power Platform projects. These techniques improve reliability and clarity in software delivery.

Deepening ALM Knowledge

In this section, we explore ALM testing strategies, import configuration parameters, and third-party solutions to enhance deployment reliability and component management.