Power Automate: base64ToString function
Converts a base64-encoded string back into readable text. Takes a string, not a file object; UTF-8 only.
Function Day
Function Day is where I explore the basics of a function and share recommendations on how to actually use it. I focus on Power Automate, SharePoint, and Power Apps, because there is so much to dig into there, though other references show up from time to time. Do not expect an exhaustive list of every function, since Microsoft's own reference already covers that. Instead I pick the common ones and build from there, one function at a time. Articles land on a regular schedule, and with three platforms to rotate through you can count on Power Automate, SharePoint, and Power Apps entries coming around in turn. When time allows I speed things up, but a steady rhythm is what keeps Function Day delivering useful, in-depth breakdowns you can rely on.
Power Automate: subtractFromTime function
Subtracts an interval from a timestamp you supply. Returns a string; months clamp to month end.
Power Automate: body function
Returns the body output of a named action. Names use underscores for spaces and are case-sensitive.
Power Automate: getPastTime function
Returns the current timestamp minus a number of time units. Always counts back from now in UTC.
Excel: Mid Function
Extracts characters from the middle of a text string, starting at a position you choose. Always returns text.
Power Automate: chunk Function
Splits a string or array into pieces of a fixed size. The last chunk is often shorter.
Excel: Sumif Function
Sums the values that meet one condition. A mismatched sum range is silently reshaped, not flagged.
Excel: Countif Function
Counts the cells in a range that meet one condition. Text matching ignores case.
SharePoint: YEAR function
Returns the year of a date as a number between 1900 and 9999. Empty dates return 1899.
Power Automate: convertTimeZone function
Converts a timestamp between two time zones, daylight saving included. Output drops the zone marker.
Excel: Sumifs Function
Sums the values that meet several conditions at once. All conditions combine with AND, not OR.
Power Automate: getFutureTime function
Returns the current timestamp plus a number of time units. Always counts from UTC now.