Essential SharePoint

Chapter 10. Remote Programming

Web parts use the SharePoint object model from the server side. Remote programming allows client-side applications to get and change content, create, and delete lists, and perform other tasks on the SharePoint server without installing or running new components on the server. There are several different approaches to remote programming:

• The Office 2003 object model provides SharePoint objects for workspaces, libraries, and members.

• SharePoint web services provide access to a more complete set of SharePoint tasks.

• URL commands provide a quick way to read SharePoint content in XML format using HTTP GET requests.

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC) methods allow you to get and change SharePoint content in XML format using HTTP POST requests.

This chapter compares these approaches to help you choose which to use, then demonstrates how to program SharePoint remotely using each technique.

Choosing an Approach

The approach you choose depends mainly on the type of client you want to create. Table 10-1 shows a set of recommendations for programming different types of applications.

Table 10-1. Choosing an approach based on the type of client

Type of client	Use this approach
Office application (or an application that integrates with Office 2003)	Office object model
Windows application	Web services
Non-Windows application	Web services
ASP.NET application	Web services, URL commands, or RPC methods
SharePoint web part page	URL commands or RPC methods

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