I've come to a point in the project where I want to do very specific things, such as calculate values from drop down menus in real time, and display the result to the user. For me, the obvious solution to this problem is to use some JavaScript. However, because SharePoint uses a server side language that converts to HTML for internet browsers -have a look at the source in SharePoint Designer and then view the page source in an internet browser, different? This is why I don't think JavaScript is the best solution here; SharePoint is simply not built for the use of it in this way. I'm now looking at using the SharePoint APIs in Visual Studio instead. I just have to figure out how to use Visual Studio with a cloud based SharePoint server. I'm getting this error when I try to set it up;
EDIT: It's not possible to remotely develop with Visual Studio
Anyway while I sort this problem out I've been looking at when you should use SharePoint Designer and when you should use Visual Studio when developing for SharePoint. The quick answer can be found in the name of the products;
- SharePoint Designer = Web Design
- Visual Studio = Web Development
SharePoint Designer
- Web page presentation and branding
- Some coding and custom functionality but is mainly built as a no code solution
- Customising the layout, using CSS and designing a master page
Visual Studio
Through some research I've found that you must use Visual Studio 2005/2008 when developing for SharePoint 2007. Visual Studio 2010 has limited functionality for SharePoint 2007 which I find really strange. I suppose it's a way of phasing out SharePoint 2007. So when to use Visual Studio;
- For people who can code and don't rely on a WYSIWYG editor
- Extend SharePoint functionality with your custom code
- Design custom workflows
- Creating custom features and event handlers
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