SharePoint development is a specialized field that demands proficiency in a variety of tools to design, develop, and manage applications effectively. From creating custom web parts to automating workflows and integrating third-party solutions, developers need the right tools to streamline their workflows and boost productivity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 tools every SharePoint developer should know about, including their features, benefits, and practical use cases.
Top 10 Tools Every SharePoint Developer Should Know About
1. SharePoint Framework (SPFx)
Why It’s Essential:
SPFx is the go-to framework for modern SharePoint development. It supports client-side development and integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Build responsive web parts and extensions.
- Compatible with modern JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular.
- Fully supports SharePoint Online and on-premises.
Use Case:
Develop custom web parts to enhance the functionality of SharePoint sites and create a more engaging user experience.
2. Visual Studio Code
Why It’s Essential:
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a lightweight, yet powerful code editor widely used for SPFx development.
Key Features:
- Extensions for TypeScript, React, and SPFx support.
- Integrated Git for version control.
- Debugging tools for JavaScript and Node.js.
Use Case:
Code, debug, and deploy SPFx projects efficiently using VS Code’s intuitive interface and extensive extensions.
3. PnP PowerShell
Why It’s Essential:
PnP PowerShell simplifies managing SharePoint Online and on-premises environments through automation scripts.
Key Features:
- Manage SharePoint sites, libraries, and lists programmatically.
- Bulk update permissions and metadata.
- Export and import SharePoint solutions.
Use Case:
Automate administrative tasks like provisioning new sites or migrating data between SharePoint environments.
4. SharePoint Designer
Why It’s Essential:
Although no longer actively updated, SharePoint Designer remains a valuable tool for customizing workflows and building no-code solutions.
Key Features:
- Create and edit workflows for SharePoint lists and libraries.
- Customize master pages and page layouts.
- Edit external content types for Business Connectivity Services.
Use Case:
Build simple workflows to automate approval processes or enhance SharePoint’s default functionality without writing complex code.
5. Microsoft Graph API
Why It’s Essential:
Microsoft Graph API is a unified API endpoint that allows developers to access Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint.
Key Features:
- Access data from SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive.
- Perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on SharePoint lists and libraries.
- Supports OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication.
Use Case:
Integrate SharePoint with third-party applications or create custom dashboards that aggregate data from various Microsoft 365 services.
6. ShareGate
Why It’s Essential:
ShareGate is a powerful migration and management tool for SharePoint and Microsoft 365 environments.
Key Features:
- Seamless migration of sites, libraries, and lists.
- Monitor and analyze SharePoint environments.
- Simplify permissions management.
Use Case:
Migrate content from on-premises SharePoint to SharePoint Online with minimal downtime and effort.
7. Fiddler
Why It’s Essential:
Fiddler is a web debugging proxy that helps developers troubleshoot HTTP and HTTPS traffic.
Key Features:
- Monitor and debug REST API calls.
- Analyze request and response headers.
- Test application performance under various conditions.
Use Case:
Debug issues with SharePoint REST API calls or test custom web parts for performance bottlenecks.
8. Postman
Why It’s Essential:
Postman is a versatile API testing tool that simplifies working with SharePoint REST APIs.
Key Features:
- Send GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests.
- Save API requests for reuse.
- Automate API testing with collections and scripts.
Use Case:
Test custom APIs for SharePoint solutions and verify data retrieval or updates before deploying them in production.
9. Node.js and npm
Why It’s Essential:
Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) are fundamental for setting up and managing SPFx development environments.
Key Features:
- Install and manage SPFx dependencies.
- Run development servers for testing web parts.
- Use npm scripts to automate tasks.
Use Case:
Set up SPFx projects and manage required packages efficiently, ensuring compatibility and smooth development workflows.
10. Azure DevOps
Why It’s Essential:
Azure DevOps is a comprehensive tool for managing development projects, including SharePoint solutions.
Key Features:
- Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
- Version control with Git repositories.
- Agile project management tools like boards and backlogs.
Use Case:
Streamline the deployment of SharePoint solutions with automated CI/CD pipelines and track project progress with Agile boards.
Conclusion
For SharePoint developers, having the right tools is crucial to delivering efficient, high-quality solutions. Whether you’re building modern web parts with SPFx, managing environments with PnP PowerShell, or debugging API calls with Postman, these tools provide the foundation for success in SharePoint development.
By investing time in mastering these tools, developers can enhance their productivity, create better user experiences, and contribute to the overall success of their organizations.
These top 10 tools are indispensable for every SharePoint developer and are sure to elevate your workflow. To learn more about these tools and more, consider enrolling in a SharePoint Developer course. Koenig Solutions, a leading IT training company, provides certification in top technology courses, including SharePoint. With their expert training, you can enhance your SharePoint development skills and stay ahead in your career.
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