What Does a SharePoint Developer Job Really Entail?
Introduction
A SharePoint Developer is a professional who specializes in designing and developing SharePoint websites and intranets. SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform developed by Microsoft that integrates with Microsoft Office. It is commonly used for document management, team collaboration, and intranet portals.
Responsibilities of a SharePoint Developer
A SharePoint Developer is responsible for various tasks related to SharePoint development. Some of the key responsibilities include:
1. Designing and Developing SharePoint Websites
A SharePoint Developer is responsible for designing and developing SharePoint websites. This involves creating custom layouts, templates, and themes to match the organization’s branding and requirements. The developer also needs to ensure that the website is user-friendly, responsive, and accessible.
2. Building SharePoint Intranets
Another important responsibility of a SharePoint Developer is building SharePoint intranets. An intranet is a private network that is only accessible to authorized users within an organization. It serves as a central hub for communication, collaboration, and information sharing. The developer needs to create and customize intranet sites, document libraries, workflows, and other features to meet the organization’s needs.
3. Customizing SharePoint Functionality
A SharePoint Developer is also responsible for customizing the functionality of SharePoint. This involves creating custom web parts, workflows, and applications to extend the capabilities of SharePoint. The developer needs to have a good understanding of SharePoint’s architecture and programming languages such as C# and JavaScript.
4. Integrating SharePoint with Other Systems
Many organizations use multiple systems and applications to manage their business processes. A SharePoint Developer needs to integrate SharePoint with other systems to ensure seamless data flow and collaboration. This may involve integrating SharePoint with CRM systems, ERP systems, or other third-party applications.
5. Troubleshooting and Support
A SharePoint Developer is also responsible for troubleshooting and providing support for SharePoint users. This includes identifying and resolving technical issues, assisting users with their queries, and providing training and documentation to help users make the most of SharePoint’s features.
Skills Required for a SharePoint Developer
To excel in a SharePoint Developer role, certain skills are essential. Some of the key skills required for a SharePoint Developer include:
1. SharePoint Development
A SharePoint Developer needs to have a strong understanding of SharePoint’s architecture and development tools. They should be proficient in SharePoint development using technologies such as SharePoint Designer, Visual Studio, and PowerShell. They should also have experience in developing custom web parts, workflows, and applications using programming languages such as C# and JavaScript.
2. Web Development
Since SharePoint is a web-based platform, a SharePoint Developer should have a good understanding of web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They should be able to create user-friendly and responsive web interfaces for SharePoint websites and intranets.
3. Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
A SharePoint Developer should have strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. They should be able to identify and resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently. They should also be able to provide support and guidance to users who encounter problems with SharePoint.
4. Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential for a SharePoint Developer. They need to work closely with stakeholders, such as business users and IT teams, to understand their requirements and translate them into SharePoint solutions. They should also be able to communicate technical concepts to non-technical users in a clear and concise manner.
5. Continuous Learning
Technology is constantly evolving, and a SharePoint Developer needs to stay updated with the latest trends and developments in SharePoint and web development. They should be proactive in learning new technologies and techniques to enhance their skills and deliver innovative solutions.
Conclusion
A SharePoint Developer plays a crucial role in designing and developing SharePoint websites and intranets. They are responsible for various tasks, including designing and developing SharePoint websites, building SharePoint intranets, customizing SharePoint functionality, integrating SharePoint with other systems, and providing troubleshooting and support. To excel in this role, a SharePoint Developer needs to have a strong understanding of SharePoint development, web development, problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning. By leveraging their skills and expertise, SharePoint Developers can create powerful and efficient solutions that enhance collaboration and productivity within organizations.