As a Site Collection Administrator transitioning from SharePoint 2016 to SharePoint Online, there are several challenges you may face when it comes to customizing solutions for your business unit. While the Content Editor and Script Editor web parts have been staples of on-premises SharePoint development, their availability and functionality in SharePoint Online are limited or non-existent.
However, there are still several options available to you as a developer to create custom solutions for your business unit in SharePoint Online:
1. Use the SharePoint Framework (SPFx): SPFx is a set of tools and frameworks that allow you to build custom SharePoint experiences using modern web development technologies such as JavaScript, TypeScript, and CSS. With SPFx, you can create custom web parts, templates, and solutions that are compatible with SharePoint Online.
2. Leverage the SharePoint Online Designer: While the Content Editor and Script Editor web parts are not available in SharePoint Online, the SharePoint Online Designer provides a more limited but still useful set of tools for customizing your site’s layout, colors, and fonts. You can use the Designer to create custom master pages, styles, and templates that can be applied to your site collection and subsites.
3. Utilize PowerApps and Microsoft Flow: SharePoint Online provides a range of no-code development tools such as PowerApps and Microsoft Flow that allow you to create custom business solutions without requiring extensive coding knowledge. You can use these tools to automate tasks, create custom forms and workflows, and integrate with other Microsoft services such as Dynamics 365 and Office 365.
4. Embrace the SharePoint Online REST API: While you may not have access to PowerShell in SharePoint Online, the platform provides a REST API that allows you to interact with site collections, lists, libraries, and other resources using JavaScript or other programming languages. You can use the REST API to create custom solutions that integrate with your business processes and systems.
5. Consider third-party tools and extensions: There are several third-party tools and extensions available for SharePoint Online that can help you create custom solutions for your business unit. For example, you can use third-party web parts, such as the KWizCom Web Parts, to add custom functionality to your site collection.
6. Seek out Microsoft Support and Community Resources: Microsoft provides a range of resources for developers transitioning from on-premises SharePoint to SharePoint Online. These include documentation, tutorials, and community forums where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and get help from other developers.
7. Learn about SharePoint Online Development Patterns: As you transition to SharePoint Online, it’s essential to understand the development patterns that are unique to the platform. Microsoft provides guidance on best practices for developing custom solutions in SharePoint Online, such as using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx), leveraging the SharePoint Online Designer, and utilizing PowerApps and Microsoft Flow.
8. Plan for scalability: As your business grows, it’s essential to ensure that your custom solutions can scale with the platform. This means considering factors such as performance, security, and data governance when developing custom solutions for SharePoint Online.
9. Embrace a DevOps mindset: As a developer in SharePoint Online, you should embrace a DevOps mindset that emphasizes collaboration, automation, and continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD). This means working closely with your business unit stakeholders, leveraging automated tools such as Azure Pipelines, and continuously testing and refining your custom solutions.
10. Seek out training and certification opportunities: As you transition to SharePoint Online, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest development tools, techniques, and best practices. Microsoft offers a range of training and certification programs for developers, including the Microsoft Certified: SharePoint Developer Associate certification.
In conclusion, while the limitations on customization in SharePoint Online may present challenges for Site Collection Administrators transitioning from SharePoint 2016, there are still several options available to create custom solutions for your business unit. By embracing the SharePoint Framework (SPFx), leveraging the SharePoint Online Designer, utilizing PowerApps and Microsoft Flow, and seeking out Microsoft Support and Community Resources, you can continue to deliver value to your business unit while navigating this significant change.