Chrome extension offering fast in-browser Dataverse metadata access
Metadata Explorer For Dataverse, developed by Chowdeshwar Reddy, is a Chrome extension for inspecting Dataverse and Dynamics 365 metadata directly in the browser. The tool provides a compact popup that lets users locate schema entries, traverse relationships, and view attribute definitions without switching portals. It emphasizes rapid lookup, export-ready metadata views, and in-context helpers. Target users are Power Platform consultants, Dynamics developers, and solution architects who need quick access to technical metadata during development and debugging.
What the tool does inside everyday Dataverse workflows
The tool automatically detects signed-in Dynamics 365 and Dataverse environments and exposes environment-wide metadata in a single browser popup. It presents searchable grids for tables and columns and lets users inspect
- global choices and option sets with values
- forms and views
- entity relationships and schema logical names
How it handles performance and large environments
Local metadata caching is built in to reduce repeated portal loads, and users can favorite specific tables so frequently used schema stays cached on the device. The extension includes export-oriented workflows that save metadata as CSV files, which helps when documenting large models or preparing side-by-side comparisons, and the caching behavior lowers reload times when working with sizable environments.
How it supports live form inspection and administrative testing
On-form helpers display attribute logical names, choice values, and lookup hints during active sessions so developers see technical details without leaving a form. For administrative tasks, the tool provides user impersonation helpers for authorized testing and environment comparison utilities to identify configuration differences between instances. The extension uses the existing browser session for access and does not require a separate login.
How it fits into Chromium-based development workflows
The extension runs on Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi, and it presents metadata from the active session through a lightweight, popup-based interface. That design makes it suitable as a quick-reference utility alongside IDEs and portal-based tools, and the export CSV option integrates with documentation workflows used by consultants and solution architects.
A practical browser utility for metadata lookup, best for in-session reference
Metadata Explorer For Dataverse is a pragmatic option for Power Platform consultants and Dynamics developers who need immediate, in-browser access to schema while working in an active session; its focused scope complements portal-based administration rather than replacing it. As a practical tip, use the favorites cache and CSV export when preparing documentation or repeating inspections across environments, especially in large models.
