how to edit condition in code view power automate

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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24-02-2025

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Power Automate's code view (using expressions) offers granular control over your flows. This article focuses on how to edit conditions within this powerful, yet sometimes intimidating, environment. We'll cover modifying existing conditions and creating new ones from scratch. Mastering this skill allows for complex logic and highly customized automation.

Understanding Power Automate's Condition Logic

Before diving into code view edits, let's quickly review the core concept. Power Automate conditions evaluate an expression, resulting in either true or false. Based on this result, the flow takes different paths. The structure typically looks like this:

if (condition) {
  // Actions to perform if the condition is true
} else {
  // Actions to perform if the condition is false
}

This structure is reflected, albeit differently, in Power Automate's code view. The key is understanding the expression within the if statement.

Editing Existing Conditions in Code View

Let's say you have an existing condition in your Power Automate flow that you want to modify. The process involves:

1. Locate the Condition: Find the condition you want to edit within the code view of your flow. It will be contained within a condition action or similar construct.

2. Identify the Expression: Within the condition, you'll find the expression being evaluated. This expression uses Power Automate's expression language, which is based on JavaScript.

3. Modify the Expression: Carefully edit the expression to change the condition's logic. This might involve:

   • Changing operators: Replace equals() with greaterThan(), contains() with startsWith(), etc. Familiarize yourself with the available operators in the Power Automate expression language documentation.
   • Modifying variables: Update the variables or values used in the expression. Ensure the variable names are correct and reflect the data your flow is handling.
   • Adding or removing logic: Use logical operators like and() and or() to combine multiple conditions.

4. Test Thoroughly: After making changes, save your flow and thoroughly test it with various inputs to confirm the condition behaves as expected.

Example:

Let's say you have a condition: if(equals(triggerOutputs()?['body/status'], 'Approved')). To change this to check if the status is either "Approved" or "Pending", you'd modify it to:

if(or(equals(triggerOutputs()?['body/status'], 'Approved'), equals(triggerOutputs()?['body/status'], 'Pending')))

This uses the or() operator to combine two equality checks.

Creating New Conditions in Code View

Sometimes you need to add entirely new conditions. This involves inserting a new condition action and defining its expression.

1. Insert a Condition: Use the Power Automate designer to add a new "Condition" action to your flow.

2. Switch to Code View: Once added, switch to the code view of the condition.

3. Write the Expression: Craft your expression using Power Automate's expression language. Refer to the available functions and operators in the documentation. Remember to use correct syntax and variable names.

4. Add Actions: Define the actions to execute when the condition is true and false, within the appropriate code blocks.

Example:

To create a condition that checks if a number is greater than 10 and less than 20, you would write:

if(and(greaterThan(variables('myNumber'),10), lessThan(variables('myNumber'),20))) {
  // Actions to execute if the condition is true
} else {
  // Actions to execute if the condition is false
}

Troubleshooting Tips

• Syntax Errors: Power Automate will highlight syntax errors. Carefully review your expression for typos and correct bracketing.

• Variable Names: Double-check variable names for accuracy. Case sensitivity matters.

• Data Types: Ensure that the data types in your expression are compatible with the operators you are using.

• Debugging: Use the Power Automate debugging tools to step through your flow and examine the values of variables at each point. This helps isolate problems.

By mastering these techniques, you can leverage the flexibility and power of Power Automate's code view to build highly customized and sophisticated automation solutions. Remember to consult the official Power Automate documentation for the most up-to-date information on the expression language and its capabilities.