SharePoint User's Guide

Chapter 2. Basic Web Parts

Web Parts are the building blocks of a SharePoint Services site. Every Windows SharePoint Services site consists of one or more Web Parts. Individual Web Parts provide functionality ranging from document storage to complex data entry forms to discussion forums.

All the built-in Web Parts actually derive from the concept of a list. In the most basic sense, a list is a Web Part that displays a sequence of information. In the SharePoint world, the list concept covers everything from a list of hyperlinks to a discussion board. In every case, the end user views the list, adds information to the list, modifies information on the list, or removes items from the list. Because all the built-in Web Parts derive from this basic concept, the procedure for adding an issue to an issue Web Part are very similar to the procedure for adding a new document to a document library.

In this chapter, you will:

• Learn about the common features of all the built-in Web Parts

• Work with advanced, list-based Web Parts including issues lists, discussion boards, surveys, and custom lists

• Learn how to use library-based lists to control documents and pictures

• Explore advanced features of the built-in Web Parts, including access controls, custom views, and list templates

What Is a Web Part?

A Web Part is a modular and reusable component that can be placed into any SharePoint Services web page. A Web Part is generally composed of a Web Part description file (.dwp) and some external code that provides ...