Developing in SharePoint can bring great benefits to businesses, but even the most skilled developers can run into issues. Small errors in code or configuration can lead to big problems down the road. Whether it’s a missed setting, or not following best practices, these mistakes can hurt performance, usability, or even security.
In this guide, we’ll cover the common mistakes in SharePoint development and how to avoid them to create a smooth, reliable system.
What Is Microsoft SharePoint?
Microsoft SharePoint is a web-based platform widely used for collaboration, document management, and content sharing. It allows teams to work together efficiently by providing tools for managing files, sharing knowledge, and automating workflows. SharePoint can be deployed either on-premises or as a cloud-based solution via SharePoint Online, which is part of Microsoft 365.
Benefits of Microsoft SharePoint
SharePoint offers several advantages for businesses, especially those needing streamlined communication and document management:
1: Centralized Document Management:
With SharePoint, all your documents are stored in one place, making it easier for employees to find, share, and collaborate on files. This eliminates the need for email attachments or scattered file storage.
2: Enhanced Collaboration:
SharePoint enables team members to collaborate in real-time. Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, reducing delays and confusion in project management.
3: Improved Security and Permissions:
SharePoint provides a robust security model, allowing businesses to control who can access, edit, or view files. This ensures that sensitive information is protected.
4: Customizable Solutions:
SharePoint is highly flexible. Businesses can create custom workflows, forms, and document libraries tailored to their specific needs. You can also integrate SharePoint with other Microsoft products like Teams, Power BI, and Outlook.
5: Automation of Routine Tasks:
With SharePoint workflows, you can automate repetitive tasks, such as approvals, notifications, or document routing. This can save time and improve productivity across the organization.
In this article, we’ll explore how to avoid common development errors in SharePoint and ensure a smooth, stable platform for your business.
Plan Your SharePoint Development Carefully
Before you start writing any code, it's essential to have a clear plan. Rushing into development without understanding the full scope of your project can lead to problems later. Poor planning may result in an over-complicated solution or one that doesn't scale as your business grows.
Solution:
Take time to outline the project requirements thoroughly. Think about what features are essential and how your users will interact with the system. Keep things simple and avoid unnecessary complexity. Good planning will ensure that your SharePoint environment remains easy to manage and maintain as your business evolves.
Follow Best Coding Practices
Writing clean, efficient code is crucial for avoiding errors in SharePoint. Poorly written code can cause performance issues or introduce bugs that are hard to troubleshoot later. Developers may sometimes overlook basic best practices like commenting code or keeping functions modular.
Solution:
Stick to SharePoint’s coding guidelines and best practices. Make sure your code is well-organized and properly commented, so it’s easy to understand and debug later. Use reusable components where possible and avoid hardcoding values. This will make it easier to adapt or expand the system in the future.
Test Your Solutions Early and Often
Testing is often an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. Testing early in the development cycle helps catch bugs before they become bigger problems. Many developers skip this step, which can lead to unexpected errors during deployment.
Solution:
Perform regular testing throughout the development process. Don’t wait until the end. Test different scenarios to make sure your SharePoint solution works as expected in various environments. This will reduce the chances of major issues appearing once the solution goes live.
Keep User Experience in Mind
A common mistake in SharePoint development is focusing only on functionality and ignoring user experience. If the platform is difficult to use, employees may find it frustrating, which can hurt productivity.
Solution:
Design with the end-user in mind. Ensure that the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Make use of SharePoint's built-in features, such as custom views or filters, to improve usability. The easier your SharePoint system is to use, the more likely employees will adopt it and use it efficiently.
Manage Permissions Correctly
One common error in SharePoint development is mishandling permissions. Incorrect permission settings can result in sensitive data being exposed or users being unable to access the resources they need.
Solution:
Make sure you understand SharePoint’s permission model and apply it carefully. Always follow the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access they need. Regularly review permissions to ensure they are still appropriate as the organization grows.
Optimize for Performance
Performance issues can occur if a SharePoint solution isn't optimized correctly. For example, large lists or complex workflows can slow down the system, making it difficult for users to complete tasks efficiently.
Solution:
Optimize your solution by minimizing the use of heavy workflows, large lists, or complex queries. Make use of SharePoint's built-in features like indexing and caching to improve performance. Regularly monitor the system and make adjustments to keep it running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance and Updates
Even after a SharePoint solution has been deployed, it needs ongoing maintenance to stay error-free. Many businesses make the mistake of thinking the work is done once the system is live, only to run into issues later.
Solution:
Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure everything is functioning as expected. Keep your SharePoint system up to date with the latest patches and updates. This will help protect against security vulnerabilities and ensure the system remains stable over time.
How Zenesys Can Help with Error-Free SharePoint Development
Avoiding errors during SharePoint development requires experience and attention to detail. At Zenesys, we specialize in Microsoft SharePoint development services that follow best practices to ensure a smooth, error-free experience. Our team of experts helps businesses design, develop, and maintain SharePoint environments that are robust, secure, and user-friendly.
Whether you need help planning your project, writing efficient code, or optimizing your SharePoint environment, we have the skills and expertise to assist. Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a reliable SharePoint solution tailored to your business needs.
Comments
0 comment