Essential SharePoint 2007, 2nd Edition

Chapter 12. Consuming SharePoint Services

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 means for remote programming:

• The Office 2003/2007 object models provide 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.

In this chapter, we'll look at each of these approaches for writing remote programs that can leverage the SharePoint server. Using these techniques, you can add or change content, create and delete lists, set up sites, and perform other tasks on the SharePoint server all without opening a web browser.

Tip

You must have access to VBA or .NET programming tools and knowledge of a programming language to complete the tasks in this chapter.

Choosing an Approach

The approach you choose depends mainly on the type of client you want to create. Table 12-1 shows a set of recommendations for programming different types of applications.

Table 12-1. Choosing an approach based on the type of client

Type of client	Use this approach ...