How to Detect Screen Dependency in Power Apps: Optimizing your app

Canvas apps are a great way to create applications with a rich user interface and user experience. However, screen dependency can create performance issues when controls on one screen reference control on another screen. In this article, we'll explore how to detect screen dependency in canvas apps and how to improve performance and user experience.

Screen dependency in canvas apps happens when a control in one screen references a control in another screen, often due to copying and pasting controls. This creates performance issues, including slow load times and decreased user experience.

Fortunately, detecting screen dependency is easy with the out-of-the-box App checker in the Power Apps designer/studio. You can find the App checker in the top right corner of the designer, represented by a stethoscope icon. Clicking on the App checker opens a window with several options, including a performance section.

In the performance section of the App checker window, all the application's performance issues are highlighted. This is where you'll find the screen dependency issue under the error named "Inefficient delay loading". Once you find this error, fixing it is straightforward.

To fix the screen dependency issue, click on the error, and it will take you to the control that is referencing the control on the other screen. For instance, if the height of a label on one screen is dependent on the height of a label on another screen, adjust the height of the referenced control to fix the issue.

In conclusion, detecting and addressing screen dependency in canvas apps can significantly improve the app's performance and user experience. By using the App checker and fixing any identified issues, you can ensure that your canvas app is running efficiently and providing the best possible user experience.