SharePoint Development for Beginners: Where to Start?
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create, manage, and share information and documents. It is widely used for intranet development, collaboration, and content management. SharePoint offers a range of features and capabilities that can be customized to meet specific business needs. If you are new to SharePoint development, this article will guide you on where to start and provide an overview of the key concepts and resources available.
Understanding SharePoint Development
SharePoint development involves creating and customizing SharePoint sites, applications, and solutions. It requires knowledge of SharePoint’s architecture, development tools, and programming languages such as C# and JavaScript. SharePoint development can be done on-premise or in the cloud using SharePoint Online. It offers various development options, including SharePoint Framework (SPFx), SharePoint Designer, and Visual Studio.
Getting Started with SharePoint Development
To start with SharePoint development, you need to have a basic understanding of web development concepts, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Familiarize yourself with SharePoint’s architecture and key components such as sites, lists, libraries, and web parts. You can start by setting up a SharePoint development environment, either on-premise or using SharePoint Online.
Setting up a SharePoint Development Environment
If you want to develop on-premise SharePoint solutions, you need to set up a SharePoint development environment. This involves installing SharePoint Server, SQL Server, and Visual Studio on your development machine. You can also use virtual machines or cloud-based environments for development. Microsoft provides detailed documentation and resources to help you set up your development environment.
Using SharePoint Online for Development
SharePoint Online is a cloud-based version of SharePoint that allows you to develop and deploy solutions without the need for infrastructure setup. It offers a range of development options, including SharePoint Framework (SPFx) and Power Platform. To get started with SharePoint Online development, you need an Office 365 subscription and access to SharePoint Online. Microsoft provides comprehensive documentation and tutorials to help you get started with SharePoint Online development.
Key Concepts in SharePoint Development
As a beginner in SharePoint development, it is important to understand some key concepts and terminology:
Sites
Sites are the building blocks of SharePoint. They can be used to create intranet portals, team sites, project sites, and more. Each site has its own set of features and permissions. SharePoint provides templates for different types of sites, allowing you to quickly create and customize them.
Lists and Libraries
Lists and libraries are used to store and manage data in SharePoint. Lists are used to store structured data, while libraries are used to store documents and files. SharePoint provides various types of lists and libraries, such as document libraries, calendars, tasks, and announcements. You can customize lists and libraries by adding columns, workflows, and views.
Web Parts
Web parts are reusable components that can be added to SharePoint pages to display information or functionality. SharePoint provides a wide range of out-of-the-box web parts, such as document libraries, news feeds, and search boxes. You can also create custom web parts using SharePoint Framework (SPFx) or other development tools.
Apps and Solutions
Apps and solutions are used to extend the functionality of SharePoint. Apps are lightweight applications that can be installed and used within SharePoint sites. Solutions are more complex and can include customizations, workflows, and integrations with other systems. SharePoint provides an app store and a marketplace for solutions developed by third-party vendors.
Resources for SharePoint Development
There are various resources available to help you learn and improve your SharePoint development skills:
Microsoft Documentation
Microsoft provides comprehensive documentation and tutorials on SharePoint development. The official SharePoint documentation includes guides, reference materials, and code samples. It covers various topics, including SharePoint architecture, development tools, and programming languages. You can access the documentation online or download it for offline use.
Online Communities and Forums
Joining online communities and forums is a great way to connect with other SharePoint developers and experts. You can ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from others. Some popular SharePoint communities and forums include SharePoint Stack Exchange, Microsoft Tech Community, and SharePoint Developer Network (SDN).
Training Courses and Certifications
There are many training courses and certifications available for SharePoint development. These courses cover various aspects of SharePoint development, including SharePoint Framework (SPFx), SharePoint Designer, and Visual Studio. Some popular training providers include Microsoft Learning, Pluralsight, and Udemy.
SharePoint Development Agencies
If you are looking for professional SharePoint development services, you can consider outsourcing to a SharePoint development agency. These agencies specialize in SharePoint development and can help you with custom SharePoint solutions, intranet design, and managed SharePoint services. They have expertise in SharePoint development tools and best practices.
Conclusion
SharePoint development offers a wide range of opportunities for beginners. By understanding the key concepts and resources available, you can start your journey in SharePoint development. Whether you choose to develop on-premise or in the cloud, SharePoint provides a powerful platform for creating and customizing solutions. Take advantage of the available resources, join online communities, and consider outsourcing to a SharePoint development agency to enhance your SharePoint development skills.
