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Jaime López
Jaime López

Posted on • Originally published at intranetfromthetrenches.substack.com

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Top 9 Features of the SharePoint Embedded VS Code Extension

Building apps with SharePoint Embedded can be exciting, but it can also feel a bit tricky at times. To make things easier for developers like us, Microsoft created a special tool called the SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code extension. This handy extension has a bunch of features that can save us time and headaches.

From quickly finding information about our app's containers to automatically creating the necessary credentials, this extension does a lot of the heavy lifting. It even comes with example apps to get us started!

SharePoint Embedded Extension in Visual Studio Code from Microsoft

In this article, we'll dive into the 9 most helpful features of this extension and see how they can make our development journey smoother.

Feature 1 - View a Complete Container Type Hierarchy

Getting a bird's-eye view of your SharePoint Embedded environment just got easier. The extension provides a clear, hierarchical view of all your container types. You can easily see which app owns each type, and how they all relate to each other. This eliminates the need to hunt down information across different screens, giving you a single source of truth for your container types.

Hierarchy of SharePoint Embedded items

Feature 2 - Inspect Container Type Properties

Need to know the nitty-gritty details about a specific container type? No problem! With a simple right-click, the extension displays all the container type properties in a clear JSON format. This includes crucial information like the owning application ID, container type ID, and billing details. This quick access to property data is invaluable when developing your solutions, saving you valuable time.

Container Type properties option in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Feature 3 - Find Owning Apps for Container Types

Ever struggled to figure out which app is responsible for a particular container type? This extension makes it a breeze! The hierarchical view clearly shows the relationship between container types and their owning apps. You can even quickly grab the app ID, which is essential for many development tasks. No more tedious searches – find the information you need instantly.

Owning apps for each Container Type in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Feature 4 - Dive Deep into Container Properties

Delving into the specifics of a particular container? This extension makes it a snap! With a simple right-click, you can access all the container's properties in a user-friendly JSON format. This includes vital information like the container type ID, status, and permissions. This detailed view empowers you to understand your containers better and build more robust applications.

Container properties option in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Feature 5 - Automated Container Type Registration

Registering your container type in your tenant used to be a bit of a chore. But with this extension, it's a breeze! The extension automates the registration process, including creating the necessary self-signed certificate for your owning app. It even checks and configures your owning app's properties for you. This streamlined approach saves you time and effort, letting you focus on building your application.

Container Type registration option in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Feature 6 - Generate Client Secrets with Ease

Tired of manually creating client-secret credentials? This extension simplifies the process significantly. With a few clicks, you can generate credentials directly within the extension, saving you valuable time and effort. The extension creates a new entry in your app's secrets with the description SharePointEmbeddedVSCode, making it easy to identify. You can then easily copy the secret value for use in your development. Say goodbye to tedious manual steps!

Generate client secret option in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Feature 7 - Create Self-Signed Certificates Effortlessly

Need a self-signed certificate for your application? The extension makes it incredibly easy to generate one. With a few clicks, you can create a self-signed certificate directly within the extension and have it automatically added to your owning app's certificates tab with the description 'CN=SharePoint Embedded VS Code Ext.' This eliminates the hassle of manual certificate generation and ensures a smooth development process.

Generate a self-signed certificate option in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Feature 8 - Kickstart Your Project with Sample Apps

Starting from scratch can be daunting. That's why the extension includes a fantastic feature: running sample apps. You can choose from a TypeScript/React-based sample (link) or a C#-based option (link), depending on your preferred language. These pre-built examples provide a solid foundation for your own applications, allowing you to learn and experiment quickly. It's a fantastic way to get a head start on your development journey.

Run sample apps option in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Feature 9 - Streamline Postman Testing with Environment Export

Testing your application with Postman? The extension simplifies the setup process by allowing you to easily export environment settings directly from your owning app. You can either export these settings to a file or conveniently copy them directly to your clipboard. This includes crucial information like your container type ID and other necessary details. You can then import these settings into your Postman environment, saving you time and ensuring accurate testing. This feature streamlines your testing workflow and helps you quickly validate your application's functionality.

Postman options in SPE Visual Studio Code Extension

Conclusion

In this article, we've explored some of the most valuable features of the SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code extension. From easily navigating your container types and accessing key information to automating credential generation and running sample applications, this extension offers a wealth of time-saving features. By leveraging these tools, you can significantly streamline your development process and build robust SharePoint Embedded applications with greater efficiency. So, don't wait! Install the extension today and experience the difference firsthand.

References

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