PolyLookup Bug: Data Loss On First Save

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Hey folks! Have you ever run into a frustrating bug where data seemingly vanishes into thin air? I've been wrestling with a similar issue involving the PolyLookup control in a form, and I thought I'd share my experience and hopefully help others who are facing the same problem. Specifically, the values selected in my PolyLookup field would disappear on the initial save of a new record. Talk about a head-scratcher!

The Core Issue: PolyLookup Values Disappearing

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the problem. As the original report mentioned, the bug revolves around the PolyLookup control, a handy tool for selecting related records in Dynamics 365 or Power Apps (and I assume the context is related to this, but it can be adapted to other platforms). The issue occurs when creating a new record and populating the PolyLookup field with values. After hitting the initial Save button, the selected values simply... disappear! However, the good news is that upon the second save, everything works as expected. The values stick around. It's a classic case of a transient data loss bug, and it's super annoying. Think about the user experience: Imagine a user meticulously entering data, only to have a critical piece of information lost on that crucial first save. This can lead to frustration, wasted time, and potential data integrity issues. This isn't just a cosmetic issue, it's a usability nightmare!

This bug is specific to the initial save of the record. Subsequent saves, after the record has been created, work without any problems. This suggests that the issue might be related to how the control interacts with the underlying data store or how the data is handled during the initial record creation process. Understanding why this happens requires a deeper look into the control's inner workings and how it interacts with the form's data context, including possible issues with the data binding, and event handling during the initial save operation. In essence, the control fails to properly persist the selected values on the very first attempt.

To replicate this issue, the steps are pretty straightforward. First, you'll need a form with a PolyLookup control. Populate this control with the desired values when you create a new record. Then, trigger the Save action (either using the Save or Save & Close buttons). Finally, check the field to see if the selected values are still present. If they're gone, you've replicated the bug! It is essential to understand the behavior of the PolyLookup control and how it interacts with the data source, as it forms the basis of the troubleshooting process. This includes examining the properties of the control, the data binding configuration, and any custom code or scripts that might be influencing the data flow.

This is not a unique problem, as many users of the PolyLookup control may face similar issues, so the solutions may be generalized and applicable in other cases. Let's delve into potential causes and solutions to get your data sticking around where it should!

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

Okay, so what could be causing this pesky PolyLookup bug? Well, there are several common culprits. Let's explore them, along with some troubleshooting steps you can take:

  • Data Binding Issues: This is the most common cause. The PolyLookup control needs to be correctly bound to the underlying data field in your data source. Double-check that the Data Source and Field properties in the control's settings are accurately configured. Ensure there are no typos or incorrect field names. Incorrect binding will mean the data doesn't know where to go.

    • Troubleshooting Step: Verify the data binding settings. In the form editor, select the PolyLookup control and examine its properties. Make sure the Data Source property points to the correct data source (e.g., your table or entity), and the Field property specifies the field that will store the selected values. If you're using a custom data source, ensure the field names are correctly mapped.

  • PCF Control Configuration: PCF (Power Apps Component Framework) controls, like the PolyLookup, have their own set of properties and configurations. Ensure the control is properly configured to save and retrieve values. Misconfigured properties might lead to data not being persisted correctly during the initial save operation. Check your control's configurations.

    • Troubleshooting Step: Review the control's configuration. Go through the properties of the PolyLookup control in the form editor. Check for any settings that might be affecting how data is saved or retrieved. This includes properties related to data filtering, search behavior, and any custom logic implemented within the control itself. Compare your settings to a known working configuration if possible.

  • Form Save Events: Power Apps and Dynamics 365 forms often have events that fire during the save process. Custom JavaScript or Power Fx code triggered by these events can sometimes interfere with how the PolyLookup control saves data. Perhaps a script is accidentally clearing the field's values during the initial save.

    • Troubleshooting Step: Inspect form save events. Open the form editor and check for any JavaScript or Power Fx code that's triggered during the OnSave event. Examine the code to see if it's unintentionally modifying or clearing the PolyLookup field's value. If you find any suspicious code, try temporarily disabling it to see if the bug disappears. You can then refine it to prevent the issue.

  • Caching Problems: Sometimes, caching issues can cause data to appear to be lost. The browser or the application might be caching an older version of the data, leading to the illusion of data loss.

    • Troubleshooting Step: Clear your browser's cache and cookies and test the form again. You can also try using a different browser or an incognito window to see if the issue persists. In the power apps, check for caching settings that might interfere with the data saving correctly.

  • Dependencies and Relationships: If your PolyLookup field is dependent on other fields or relationships, ensure all related fields are populated correctly during the initial save. The issue might be related to a cascading effect where a missing dependency causes the PolyLookup field to lose its value.

    • Troubleshooting Step: Review dependencies. Check the form's field dependencies and relationships, specifically those related to the PolyLookup field. Make sure all necessary fields are populated before saving the record. Test the form with all dependent fields populated to verify this.

Possible Solutions

Alright, so you've investigated the potential causes. Now, how do you fix this? Here are some strategies you can use to address the data loss issue:

  • Verify Data Binding: As mentioned earlier, double-check your data binding settings. Ensure that the PolyLookup control is correctly bound to the appropriate field in your data source. Incorrect binding is a common mistake.

    • Action: Re-examine the Data Source and Field properties of the PolyLookup control in the form editor. Confirm they point to the correct table/entity and the correct field that will store the selected values.

  • Review and Adjust PCF Control Settings: The PolyLookup control has its own configuration options. Make sure these settings are aligned with your requirements and that they correctly handle the saving and retrieval of data.

    • Action: Carefully review the properties of the PolyLookup control. Adjust any settings related to data saving, filtering, or behavior on save. Test different settings to identify which configuration resolves the issue.

  • Check Form Save Event Logic: Examine any JavaScript or Power Fx code triggered during the form's OnSave event. Identify any code that might be interfering with the saving of data from the PolyLookup control. Sometimes, a script inadvertently clears the field's value.

    • Action: Review any custom code in the form's OnSave event. If you find any code that seems to be affecting the PolyLookup field, try commenting it out or modifying it to ensure it does not clear the field value during the initial save. Test to ensure it works properly.

  • Implement a Temporary Workaround (If Necessary): If a permanent fix isn't immediately available, you could implement a temporary workaround to mitigate the impact of the bug. This could involve, for instance, displaying a warning message to the user after the initial save, advising them to re-enter the values. Note that this is not ideal, but it can help maintain data integrity until a proper solution is implemented.

    • Action: Consider adding a notification to the user if the value is cleared in the first save, asking the user to save it again. This is not the best solution, but it prevents data loss.

  • Update to the Latest Version: Ensure you're using the latest version of the PolyLookup control and any related platform updates. Bug fixes and performance improvements are often included in the latest releases.

    • Action: Check for updates to the PolyLookup control and your Power Apps/Dynamics 365 environment. Apply the updates and test the form to see if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Data Safe!

This PolyLookup data-vanishing bug can be a real pain, but by carefully examining the potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to track down the root of the problem and implement a solution. Remember to focus on the basics: double-check your data binding, review your control settings, examine any custom code, and stay up-to-date with the latest software versions.

By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to resolve this issue and keep your data safe and sound. Happy coding, and may your PolyLookup fields always retain their values on that all-important initial save! If the problem persists after trying the mentioned solutions, consider submitting a support ticket to Microsoft or seeking assistance from the Power Apps/Dynamics 365 community, who might have insights into this or similar issues.