Introducing Native Git Integration in Power Platform: A Game-Changer for Collaborative Development

With native Git integration now available in Power Platform, teams can seamlessly incorporate version control and collaborative development workflows directly within their app development processes (https://make.powerapps.com/) . This integration brings substantial benefits, including enhanced traceability, precision in change management, and streamlined collaboration. Below is a guide on getting started with this feature, understanding key considerations, and evaluating limitations.

Setting Up Git Integration in Power Platform

To get started with Git integration, you’ll need to connect Power Platform to a Git repository. Microsoft provides detailed steps for setting this up in their Dataverse Git integration setup.

Key Requirements:

1. Dataverse Environment: The environment must be managed.
2. Repository Support: Currently, only Azure DevOps Git repositories are compatible.
3. Role Permissions: A system administrator role is required in the Dataverse environment for binding to Git.

Binding Approaches: Environment Binding vs. Solution Binding

There are two primary methods for binding your Dataverse environment or solutions to Git, each with its own use case and advantages.

1. Environment Binding (Recommended Starting Point): Overview: This approach binds your entire Dataverse environment, including all unmanaged solutions and components, to a single repository and folder. Automatic Sync: Once set up, any new unmanaged solutions are automatically synced with the repository, providing a seamless experience for version control across the environment. Environment binding is the recommended approach to get started with Git integration in Dataverse
2. Solution Binding: Overview: Allows you to control source code for multiple solutions in the same environment, each with separate repositories or folders. Use Case: Ideal for managing individual solutions in isolation within the same Dataverse environment, offering more granular control over specific project repositories.

For more insights, refer to the Power Platform Git Integration overview.

Limitations to Consider

While Git integration adds significant capabilities, there are current limitations to keep in mind:

• Branching Constraints: The feature works with a single branch specified at the time of binding.
• Repository Compatibility: Only Azure DevOps Git repositories are supported currently.
• The feature works with unmanaged layers and doesn't work with managed layers.

For future reading on Git integration in Power Platform

?https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/blog/power-apps/introducing-git-integration-in-power-platform-preview/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/alm/git-integration/overview

https://coldridge.azurewebsites.net/2024/11/11/dataverse-git-integration-setup/ (step by step Setup instructions)

https://www.ryanjames.dev/blog/2024/11/12/dataverse-git-integration-preview-first-look/

https://xrmenterprise.com/2024/11/dataverse-git-pull-and-conflict-resolution/ (@Rami Mulna , how to handel Handling Conflict Resolution)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx380t22sPs (Native Dataverse Git Repository Integration)