Microsoft Dataverse: Data Types in 23min

Key insights

• Dataverse data types define what values a column can store and determine validation, formatting, and the API type developers see.
  Choose the correct type early to avoid data errors and extra migration work.
• Core types include Text, Number, Date and Time, Choice, Lookup, and Currency for common business needs.
  Use the right core type for names, quantities, timestamps, controlled lists, relationships, and money values.
• Newer or specialized types to know are Big Integer, File, Image, Multiselect Choice, Autonumber, and formula/rollup fields.
  Note: migrating Access Number:Single or Number:Double maps to Dataverse Float, which stores up to five digits after the decimal, so check precision during migration.
• Handle dates carefully: Date Only stores calendar dates, while Date & Time captures exact moments; Dataverse uses UTC and maker settings affect local display.
  Design date fields to match reporting and timezone needs to avoid confusion.
• Best Practices: pick the most specific data type, use Choice for controlled options, use Lookup for relationships, and prefer numeric types for calculations.
  Common Mistakes: storing structured data as free text, ignoring precision rules, or misconfiguring currency and time settings.
• Power Apps and Dynamics 365 developers, CRM consultants, and platform learners benefit most from mastering these types.
  Good data modeling improves app behavior, integrations, and long-term data quality.

Keywords

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