Add-ins and Apps

Add-ins and Apps in SharePoint are components that extend the capabilities of SharePoint sites and provide additional functionalities to users. They allow organizations to develop and deploy custom solutions tailored to their specific needs. Below is an overview of both concepts.

• SharePoint Add-ins (formerly known as SharePoint Apps) are self-contained pieces of functionality that can be added to a SharePoint site.
• They can provide features such as displaying custom data, integrating with external services, or enhancing existing SharePoint functionality.
• Add-ins can be divided into two types:
  • SharePoint-hosted Add-ins: These are hosted within SharePoint itself and utilize SharePoint resources like lists and libraries.
  • Provider-hosted Add-ins: These are hosted outside of SharePoint (on external servers or cloud services) and typically interact with SharePoint through APIs.

• The term “Apps” is used to refer to the same technology before the rebranding of “Add-ins”.
• Apps can be found and installed through the SharePoint Store or developed in-house.
• They can be used to solve business needs by offering tailored experiences and functional extensions specific to an organization's requirements.

• Customization: Organizations can create custom solutions that enhance productivity and usability.
• Integration: They allow for seamless integration with other services and systems, both internal and external.
• Scalability: Add-ins can be scaled to meet the growing demands of business processes.
• Security: The permissions and access levels can be managed to ensure compliance with organizational policies.

• Developers can use standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create add-ins.
• Tools like Visual Studio and the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) simplify the development process.
• Once developed, Add-ins can be deployed to SharePoint Online or SharePoint Server environments.

Add-ins and Apps are crucial for extending and enhancing SharePoint's functionalities. They empower organizations to create unique and effective solutions that meet their specific operational needs.

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