In this blog post, we will learn how to understand and resolve the ‘The given key is not present in the dictionary’ error in Dynamics 365 CRM/Power Apps (Model-Driven App). Before we begin, ensure you subscribe to CRM Crate to remain informed about the latest developments in the Power Platform field.
Have you ever encountered the dreaded “The given key is not present in the dictionary” error while working with Dynamics 365 CRM or Power Apps (Model-Driven App)? It can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of something important. But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll unravel what this error means, why it occurs, and how to fix it.
What Does the “Fixing the ‘The given key is not present in the dictionary’ error in Dynamics 365 CRM / Power Apps” error mean?
At its core, this error means that your application (or code) is trying to access a key in a dictionary-like structure that doesn’t exist. In Dynamics 365 and Power Apps, dictionaries often represent collections, mappings, or attribute-value pairs in entities or forms.
For example:
- The application may be trying to access a field or attribute on an entity that doesn’t exist or is misspelled.
- A custom script may refer to a control or variable that hasn’t been initialized.
Why does this error occur?
Here are the common reasons for this error in Dynamics 365 CRM/Power Apps:
- Missing Attribute on the Entity:
- You’re referencing a field that isn’t part of the entity or hasn’t been added to the form.
- Incorrect Field Logical Name:
- Dynamics 365 uses logical names for attributes (e.g.,
firstname
for “First Name”). A typo or incorrect logical name can trigger this error.
- Dynamics 365 uses logical names for attributes (e.g.,
- Control Not Found on the Form:
- If you’re trying to interact with a control using JavaScript, and the control is missing or hidden, this error can occur.
- Custom Code Issues:
- Your JavaScript, plugin, or workflow might be referencing something that isn’t available in the context.
- Customization Mismatches:
- Deploying customizations from one environment to another (e.g., Dev to UAT) without including all fields or configurations can cause this.
How to fix it?
Let’s tackle the error step by step:
- Follow a Naming Convention: Use consistent and clear naming conventions for fields and controls to avoid confusion.
- Test in Multiple Environments: Before deploying customizations, test them thoroughly in a sandbox environment.
- Document Customizations: Keep a record of all fields, scripts, and plugins that interact with specific entities.
Errors like “The given key is not present in the dictionary” may seem intimidating, but they’re often easy to fix once you understand what’s causing them. With a systematic approach to debugging and validating your customizations, you’ll be back on track in no time.
Next time you encounter this error, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and follow the steps above. Dynamics 365 and Power Apps may have their quirks, but solving these challenges is what makes working with them so rewarding! 😊