The necessary qualities of a SharePoint developer are simple to enumerate: deep expertise in SharePoint Server and SharePoint Online, some tool knowledge such as Microsoft Visual Studio, PowerShell, the SharePoint Framework (Spfx), as well as programming languages such as .NET, C#, CSS, HTML5, JavaScript, jQuery.
However, due to the platform’s wide range of capabilities, capturing the full scope of a SharePoint developer’s responsibilities can be challenging.
Primary Responsibilities of SharePoint Developers
Based on our experience working with on-premises and cloud-based solutions, we’d like to share our insights on the key responsibilities of SharePoint consultants.
Communication Skill
Without a doubt, one of the most critical skills a SharePoint developer should possess is communication, since these professionals constantly interact with different team members and clients throughout the project.
They should communicate ideas succinctly, give feedback without hesitation, provide simple and feasible ways to address issues and do all this clearly and officially. Communication makes sure that the project achieves its intended goals and maintains the trust of the client.
Usually, it is easy to recommend developers who are willing to ask questions and discuss what is being presented to them during interviews.
As working from home continues to become a norm with the advancement in technology, it becomes important that developers are also adept at using such communication tools and make sure there is always adequate information for all concerned parties.
Super Collaborative Abilities
A SharePoint developer does not necessarily have to have the best technical expertise.
However, they must be good at collaboration as SharePoint development is collaborative. Very often, those developers who support the team’s efforts and help other team members turn out to be the most useful.
Some examples of key cooperation skills are good use of Microsoft Teams for on-screen discussions, document libraries for notes on what has been done, and project management charts for dividing tasks among team members.
Familiarity with Databases and Documentation
A SharePoint developer must be well-versed with data and database principles. They will need to work with application data storage, which is why they should be able to query, add, edit, and delete data and manage documents in a way that they can be easily accessed during the project life cycle.
Next, I would also like to explain what kind of cloud technology expertise is required. It significantly makes a difference when a SharePoint developer is capable to select the right tools and implement them effectively to support the company and its employees.
Keep reading to find the technical skills and responsibilities SharePoint developers should possess if they want to be successful in the SharePoint services domain.
Custom Development
SharePoint developers focus on designing bespoke applications for clients. This includes developing intranet solutions, document management systems, help desk systems, and other business systems.
These systems are tailored according to the industry and size of the company. They also add to the basic capabilities of the applications and create new capabilities which include workflow management systems, web parts, and templates that facilitate workflow movements such as approvals across many actors.
Branding
Developers customize the SharePoint interface, and in the process, rebrand the company by changing the company logo, styles, colors, and page layouts to enhance its adoption and foster a sense of belonging within its users.
Integration and Migration
SharePoint developers expand the circle of the platform acquiring additional Microsoft tools (Yammer, MS Teams, Exchange) and third-party software (CRM, ERP, social networks) bringing them into interconnected operation without hindering the workflows.
So they order custom integration modules and services such as Active Directory which is connected with a lot of external devices.
When customized solutions are to be moved to a newer version of SharePoint Server or SharePoint Online, the developers in charge make sure no customizations are lost in the new platform to maintain the look and feel of the existing one.
Maintenance and Support
The SharePoint developers offer post-launch support after delivering a solution making all operations functional including load time or security updates. They may offer managed services under an SLA which involves the deployment of new features, problem resolution, and optimizations.
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Training Users
Developers also train the administrators and end users of SharePoint enhancing their comprehension and adoption of the features or tools within the platform facilitating constructive change and effective management.
To summarize the above, it should be highlighted that the role of SharePoint developers while providing SharePoint services, is not limited to technical skills alone.
They perform end-to-end custom development for the client and work on system integration of SharePoint with other systems including proper branding. This also includes maintenance and support of deployed solutions, participation in migration projects, and training end users.
Good relationships, communication, cooperation in the cloud, and database management are also needed because delivering good SharePoint solutions that bring worth to businesses requires diverse factors.
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