React is a robust JavaScript library, famous for building dynamic user interfaces. SharePoint is an effective collaborative platform, and one can deliver highly interactive SharePoint applications using React and HTML. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using React within SharePoint.
Step 1: Setting up SharePoint Framework (SPFx) Environment
You’ll need to set up the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) development environment. This primarily involves installing certain technologies, including Node.js, gulp, and Yeoman SharePoint generator.
npm install -g yo gulp @microsoft/generator-sharepoint
Step 2: Creating a SharePoint Framework Project
Once your environment setup is done, you can proceed to create your SPFx project. Navigate to your preferred directory, where the project will reside and run the below command that triggers Yeoman SharePoint Generator.
yo @microsoft/sharepoint
You’ll be prompted to answer several questions for project configuration. Select ‘React’ as your JavaScript framework.
Step 3: Building a New React Component
With your SPFx solution now set, you can create a new React component. In your solution directory, go to ‘\src\webparts\HelloWorld\components’. Here, you’ll see a pre-generated HelloWorld.tsx file, representing an example React component.
You can modify this file or create a new one to suit your application needs. To create a new React Component, you should write it like this:
import * as React from 'react';
class MyComponent extends React.Component {
render() {
return (
<div>
<h1>Hello from MyComponent</h1>
</div>
);
}
}
export default MyComponent;
Step 4: Importing and Using the React Component
To use the component, you’ll need to import it into the main web part file. This should be located in the ‘\src\webparts\HelloWorld’ directory, in a TSX file that has the same name as your web part. Import and adjust your React component as shown:
import * as React from 'react';
import * as ReactDom from 'react-dom';
import MyComponent from './components/MyComponent';
//Below helloWorldProps replace with your web part name
const element: React.ReactElement<IHelloWorldProps > = React.createElement(
MyComponent
);
ReactDom.render(element, this.domElement);
Step 5: Running Your SharePoint Framework Application
Running your application allows you to see the React component in action. You can use gulp to serve your application.
gulp serve
You’ll see a local workbench – SharePoint’s local development environment. You can add your WFx web part to the page, and you should see the text ‘Hello from MyComponent’, indicating your React component has rendered successfully.
Conclusion
React undoubtedly enriches SharePoint applications with dynamic user interfaces. By combining SharePoint’s collaborative strengths with React’s user interface prowess, developers can craft powerful and engaging applications. Adhering to the steps above, you can seamlessly integrate React into your SharePoint environment and enjoy the enhanced user interaction capabilities.
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