How To Create A Custom Web Part In SharePoint

Dear reader, are you struggling to create a unique and functional web part in SharePoint? Look no further, as this article will guide you through the process step-by-step, helping you overcome any confusion or frustration you may have encountered. Let’s dive in and unlock the potential of custom web parts!

What Is a Web Part in SharePoint?

A web part in SharePoint is a modular unit that is responsible for displaying content or performing specific tasks on a web page. It can be added, modified, and removed by users, providing the flexibility for customization of SharePoint pages.

During my experience working on a SharePoint project, I utilized a web part to seamlessly integrate a live Twitter feed into the company’s intranet site. This feature enabled employees to stay informed on industry news and company announcements without having to leave the SharePoint environment.

Why Create a Custom Web Part?

Why Create a Custom Web Part?

Creating a custom web part in SharePoint allows for tailored solutions, catering precisely to your organization’s unique needs. It enables efficient data presentation, seamless integration of third-party tools, and enhanced user experience.

For example, a company required a specific project management dashboard. By creating a custom web part, they integrated project tracking, resource allocation, and timeline visualization, significantly streamlining their workflow and decision-making processes.

What Are the Benefits of Creating a Custom Web Part?

Creating a custom web part offers a multitude of benefits. It allows for tailored functionality, addressing specific business needs and improving overall user experience. With personalized features, productivity is enhanced. Additionally, custom web parts allow for seamless integration of third-party tools or services, expanding the capabilities of SharePoint. They also promote consistency in branding and design, aligning with organizational standards. Furthermore, custom web parts empower efficient collaboration and information sharing, contributing to enhanced teamwork and decision-making processes.

What Tools Are Needed to Create a Custom Web Part?

As a SharePoint developer, you may be interested in creating your own custom web part to enhance your company’s intranet or website. But where do you start? In this section, we will discuss the essential tools needed to create a custom web part in SharePoint. From the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) to Node.js, we will cover the various tools that will help you bring your vision to life. So, let’s dive in and explore the key components needed for building a custom web part in SharePoint.

1. SharePoint Framework

• Install Node.js and Yeoman.
• Use Yeoman to create a new SharePoint Framework (SPFx) project.
• Choose the client-side framework – React or no JavaScript framework.
• Run ‘gulp serve’ to preview changes.
• Implement functionalities using SharePoint APIs.

Pro-tip: Leverage SharePoint’s reusable controls to enhance user experience and maintain consistency.

2. Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code, a lightweight yet powerful source code editor, is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux and runs on your desktop. It offers built-in support for JavaScript, TypeScript, and Node.js and has a wide range of extensions for other languages (such as C++, C#, Python, PHP) and runtimes. With its highly customizable features, users can adjust the editor’s layout, themes, and shortcuts according to their preferences.

In a similar tone of voice, here’s a true history: Microsoft announced Visual Studio Code at the Build 2015 conference and released it for public use a few months later. Since then, it has gained immense popularity among developers due to its speed, user-friendliness, and extensive features.

3. Node.js

• Download and Install Node.js from the official website.
• Verify the installation by running ‘node -v’ in the command prompt or terminal.
• Utilize npm, the package manager that comes with Node.js, to install necessary packages and dependencies for web part development.
• Set up the Node.js environment variables and configurations for seamless integration with the development tools.

4. Yeoman

• Install Node.js to use npm, then install Yeoman using npm install -g yo.
• Create a new directory for the web part in the SharePoint Framework project.
• Run yo @microsoft/sharepoint to invoke the Yeoman generator for SharePoint.
• Respond to the prompts to define the project and web part details.
• Yeoman will scaffold the solution, creating the necessary project structure and files.

How to Create a Custom Web Part in SharePoint?

Are you looking to add a custom web part to your SharePoint site? In this section, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a custom web part in SharePoint. From setting up your development environment to packaging and deploying the web part, we will cover all the necessary steps to create a functional and visually appealing addition to your SharePoint site. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create a custom web part in SharePoint.

1. Set Up Development Environment

1. Set up the development machine by installing necessary software like Node.js, Visual Studio Code, and Yeoman.
2. Install SharePoint Framework to build web parts.
3. Create a new SharePoint Framework project using the Yeoman generator.
4. Set up the necessary SharePoint libraries and tools for development.
5. Configure the development environment to connect to SharePoint for testing and debugging.

2. Create a New Project

1. Open your development environment, such as Visual Studio Code.
2. Start a new project by selecting the ‘Create a New Project’ or similar option from the menu.
3. Provide the necessary project details, including name, location, and framework to be used.
4. Establish the project structure according to the given requirements and guidelines.

3. Add Code to the Web Part

1. Open the project in Visual Studio Code.
2. Create a new TypeScript or JavaScript file for your web part.
3. Add the necessary code for your web part, including imports, interfaces, and the actual functionality.
4. Utilize SharePoint Framework APIs and libraries to access SharePoint data and resources.

4. Test and Debug the Web Part

1. Ensure that the web part features function properly across different scenarios and environments.
2. Utilize debugging tools to identify and fix any issues with the web part’s functionality or appearance.
3. Conduct comprehensive testing to confirm the web part’s compatibility with various browsers and devices.
4. Engage in user acceptance testing to gather feedback and address any concerns related to user experience.

Remember to document any changes made during the testing and debugging phase to maintain a clear record of the web part’s development process.

5. Package and Deploy the Web Part

• Package the Web Part: Prepare the necessary files and components for deployment of the web part.
• Deploy the Web Part: Install and configure the web part on the SharePoint server to make it accessible and usable for users.

What Are Some Best Practices for Creating a Custom Web Part?

As SharePoint continues to evolve, the demand for customized web parts has increased. But with great customization comes great responsibility. In this section, we will discuss some best practices for creating a custom web part in SharePoint to ensure a seamless and efficient user experience. From keeping your web part simple to utilizing the React framework, following SharePoint design guidelines, and thoroughly testing and documenting your code, we will cover all the essential steps for creating a successful custom web part.

1. Keep It Simple

When creating a custom web part in SharePoint, simplicity is essential to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Here are the steps to keep it simple:

1. Clearly define objectives for the web part.
2. Limit the features to only essential functionalities.
3. Streamline the user interface for easy and intuitive navigation.
4. Opt for a minimalist design and avoid unnecessary complexity.
5. Regularly review and refine the web part to maintain simplicity.

A software development team once simplified a complex project, resulting in higher user satisfaction and a more efficient system by streamlining the web part’s features. This also led to a reduction in support requests as users found the web part easier to use.

2. Use React Framework

• Install Node.js and Yeoman for scaffolded project setup.
• Utilize Visual Studio Code for code editing and debugging.
• Leverage SharePoint Framework to build and test the web part.
• Integrate React framework for efficient web part development.

3. Follow SharePoint Design Guidelines

• Ensure Consistency: Adhere to SharePoint’s visual and interaction patterns for a cohesive user experience.
• Responsive Design: Create web parts that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes to enhance accessibility.
• Accessibility: Prioritize web part accessibility by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
• Localization: Support multi-language content by using SharePoint’s localization features.
• Branding: Align your custom web part with the overall look and feel of the SharePoint environment for a unified experience.

Suggestions: Embrace SharePoint’s design guidelines to foster user familiarity and optimize usability.

4. Test and Debug Regularly

• Run automated unit tests to identify and fix errors early.
• Utilize debugging tools such as browser developer tools to inspect, monitor, and modify the web part’s performance.
• Perform regular code reviews to catch any potential issues and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Test and debug the web part regularly to confirm its compatibility and functionality across different setups and environments.
• Use mock data or simulated user interactions to validate the web part’s behavior under different scenarios.

5. Document Your Code

• Maintain an organized record of the web part’s functionality and development process by documenting your code.
• Explain the purpose of your code by including comments, making it easier for other developers to understand and modify.
• Store and manage your documentation efficiently by utilizing tools like Microsoft Word, SharePoint Document Libraries, or code repositories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a custom web part in SharePoint?

A custom web part in SharePoint is a small, reusable component that can be added to a SharePoint page to provide specific functionality or display specific information. It is created and customized by users to meet their specific needs.

How do I create a custom web part in SharePoint?

To create a custom web part in SharePoint, you will need to have a good understanding of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. You can use SharePoint Designer or Visual Studio to create the web part, or you can use web-based tools like the SharePoint Framework (SPFx).

Can I customize the appearance of my custom web part?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of your custom web part by using CSS to change the styles and layout. You can also use third-party tools or code to add more complex design elements to your web part.

What is the difference between a custom web part and an out-of-the-box web part?

A custom web part is created and customized by the user, while an out-of-the-box web part is pre-built and provided by Microsoft. Custom web parts offer more flexibility and can be tailored to specific needs, while out-of-the-box web parts are more generic and may not meet all requirements.

Can I add my custom web part to multiple SharePoint sites?

Yes, you can add your custom web part to multiple SharePoint sites. Once you have created and packaged your web part, you can upload it to the SharePoint App Catalog and make it available for all sites on your SharePoint site collection.

Are there any limitations to creating a custom web part in SharePoint?

There are some limitations to creating a custom web part in SharePoint, such as the need for coding knowledge and the potential for compatibility issues with future updates. Additionally, there may be limitations on certain features or functionalities that can be included in a custom web part.