Connector
Connectors are pre-built integrations that allow Power Automate to interact with external services and applications, such as Microsoft 365, SharePoint, SQL Server, and many others.
Connectors provide actions and triggers that you can use in your workflows. For example, the SharePoint connector includes actions like “Create Item” and “Update Item”.
Connectors can be categorized as below:
Built-in Connectors
These are pre-configured connectors that come with the platform or service. They are ready to use out-of-the-box and typically cover common integrations with popular services and applications.
Standard Connectors
These connectors are available to all users and provide integration with a wide range of services. They are usually included in the base subscription or plan of the platform.
Premium Connectors
These connectors offer advanced integration capabilities and often require an additional subscription or payment. They provide access to more specialized or enterprise-level services and applications.
Customer Connectors
These are user-defined connectors that allow for integration with services or applications not covered by built-in, standard, or premium connectors. Users can create these connectors to meet specific needs or to integrate with proprietary systems.
Connectors act as the bridge, enabling Power Automate to execute actions on external services by using the authenticated connections.
Connectors require connections, which are authenticated links between Power Automate and the external service. These connections ensure secure access to data and services.
Connection
Connections are the authenticated links between Power Automate and the external services. They contain the credentials and other necessary information to access the data and services provided by the connectors.
When you create a connection, you provide the authentication details (e.g., username and password) required to access the external service. This ensures secure communication between Power Automate and the service.
Connections are reusable and can be shared across multiple flows and apps within Power Automate.
By leveraging connections, Power Automate allows users to create powerful workflows that integrate multiple services and automate complex business processes. This capability makes it easier to streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and improve overall efficiency.
Relationship
Connectors provide the framework and capabilities (actions and triggers) for interacting with external services.
Connections provide the secure, authenticated access needed to use those capabilities within your workflows.
In summary, connectors define what actions and triggers are available for a service, while connections provide the necessary authentication to use those actions and triggers securely.