How to merge two arrays in Power Automate by a common property using the xpath expression.
In this video, the presenter demonstrates a clever, efficient way to merge two arrays in Power Automate that share a common property—without relying on slow and cumbersome loops. Typically, loops are the go-to method for such tasks, but they can drag down performance, especially with large datasets. Instead, this video introduces a method using the Select action combined with xpath expressions, offering a much faster and cleaner approach.
The video starts by addressing a common question from the Power Automate Community Forums: how can two arrays of objects with a shared property (like “ID” or “Name”) be merged seamlessly? Many users struggle with this problem, as loops tend to be time-consuming and inefficient. The presented solution simplifies the process by directly extracting necessary values from both arrays and then merging them using xpath.
The key to this method is the Select action, which allows for efficient transformation of the array data. By mapping each array into a simpler structure, it becomes easier to manipulate and merge. This method is far more scalable than looping through arrays because it minimizes the number of operations needed, saving both time and processing power. This is particularly useful when dealing with large datasets or complex data.
The demonstration carefully explains each step, making it accessible to Power Automate users of all skill levels. First, the arrays are set up and a Select action is used to create a mapped version of the data. The presenter then introduces the xpath expression, explaining how it helps retrieve specific data from within the array objects. This precise data extraction is what enables the arrays to be merged effectively based on the common property.
One of the biggest takeaways from the video is how versatile the xpath expression can be within Power Automate. Although typically associated with XML data, xpath can also be applied to JSON structures within Power Automate, making it a valuable tool for various automation scenarios. It allows users to interact with complex data structures more easily, whether they are dealing with APIs, databases, or other external data sources.
In addition to merging arrays, the Select action and xpath can be used for many other tasks, such as filtering or transforming data, which gives this solution wide applicability in automation workflows. Whether you’re managing customer information, product details, or financial records, this technique can save time and reduce complexity.
By the end of the video, the presenter has successfully demonstrated how to merge two arrays using the Select action and xpath, explaining why this method is both faster and more efficient than traditional looping approaches. The process is tested, and the output is shown, highlighting the dramatic improvement in performance.
For Power Automate users looking to enhance their workflows, this video is a goldmine of practical insights. The method is simple to follow and offers a significant boost in performance, especially for those dealing with large datasets or more complex data operations. If you’re tired of using loops and are looking for a more elegant solution to merging arrays, this video is a must-watch.
In summary, this tutorial equips you with a highly efficient, scalable method for merging arrays in Power Automate. By swapping out loops for a combination of Select action and xpath expressions, you can vastly improve the performance and clarity of your workflows. This approach is a game-changer for anyone working with arrays or complex data structures in automation.