Inside the Career: SharePoint Developer Job Description Unpacked
Introduction
A SharePoint Developer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining SharePoint websites and intranets. SharePoint is a web-based collaboration platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create and manage content, documents, and applications. SharePoint Developers play a crucial role in helping businesses leverage the full potential of SharePoint to improve productivity and streamline processes.
Responsibilities of a SharePoint Developer
SharePoint Developers have a wide range of responsibilities that revolve around designing, developing, and maintaining SharePoint sites and intranets. Some of the key responsibilities include:
1. Designing and Developing SharePoint Sites
A SharePoint Developer is responsible for designing and developing SharePoint sites that meet the specific requirements of the organization. This involves creating custom layouts, templates, and themes, as well as configuring site navigation and security settings. The developer must have a strong understanding of SharePoint’s architecture and be able to customize and extend its functionality using tools such as SharePoint Designer and Visual Studio.
2. Customizing SharePoint Functionality
SharePoint Developers are also responsible for customizing SharePoint’s out-of-the-box functionality to meet the unique needs of the organization. This may involve creating custom web parts, workflows, and forms, as well as integrating SharePoint with other systems and applications. The developer must have a good understanding of SharePoint’s object model and be able to write code in languages such as C# and JavaScript.
3. Troubleshooting and Debugging
SharePoint Developers are often tasked with troubleshooting and debugging issues that arise in SharePoint sites and intranets. This may involve analyzing log files, diagnosing problems, and implementing solutions to resolve issues. The developer must have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work effectively under pressure to resolve technical issues in a timely manner.
4. Testing and Deployment
SharePoint Developers are responsible for testing and deploying SharePoint solutions to ensure they function correctly and meet the requirements of the organization. This involves creating test plans, conducting unit and integration testing, and coordinating with other stakeholders to ensure a smooth deployment process. The developer must have a good understanding of software testing methodologies and be able to work collaboratively with other team members.
5. Documentation and Training
SharePoint Developers are also responsible for documenting their work and providing training to end users. This may involve creating technical documentation, user guides, and training materials, as well as conducting training sessions and workshops. The developer must have strong communication skills and be able to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical users.
Skills and Qualifications
To be successful as a SharePoint Developer, there are certain skills and qualifications that are required. These include:
1. Proficiency in SharePoint Development
A SharePoint Developer must have a strong understanding of SharePoint’s architecture and be proficient in developing SharePoint sites and intranets. This includes knowledge of SharePoint’s object model, web parts, workflows, and forms, as well as experience with tools such as SharePoint Designer and Visual Studio.
2. Programming Skills
A SharePoint Developer must have strong programming skills and be proficient in languages such as C# and JavaScript. This includes the ability to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code, as well as debug and troubleshoot issues that arise in SharePoint solutions.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
A SharePoint Developer must have strong problem-solving skills and be able to analyze and diagnose issues that arise in SharePoint sites and intranets. This includes the ability to think critically, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.
4. Communication Skills
A SharePoint Developer must have strong communication skills and be able to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical users. This includes the ability to write clear and concise documentation, as well as conduct training sessions and workshops.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration
A SharePoint Developer must be able to work effectively as part of a team and collaborate with other stakeholders, such as project managers, business analysts, and end users. This includes the ability to work collaboratively, share knowledge and expertise, and contribute to the overall success of the project.
Conclusion
A career as a SharePoint Developer offers exciting opportunities to work with a powerful collaboration platform and help organizations improve productivity and streamline processes. By possessing the necessary skills and qualifications, a SharePoint Developer can play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining SharePoint sites and intranets that meet the specific needs of the organization.