VIBE SharePoint WebParts - SharePoint Code Live

Key insights

• AI-Assisted SharePoint Development: The video demonstrates how developers use AI tools like Claude 4 Sonnet and Cursor to build a custom SharePoint News web part in real time, showcasing authentic coding workflows with live problem-solving and debugging.

• Visual Layout Picker: Instead of traditional dropdown controls, the developer converts UI elements into a visual card layout picker, making it easier for users to select layouts and improving the overall user experience.

• Property Pane Troubleshooting: The session covers common issues with SharePoint web part property panes, including debugging errors, testing solutions, and collaborating with AI to resolve problems efficiently.

• Voice Input for Coding: The developer uses voice input to speed up code writing and add features like developer credits, demonstrating how modern tools can streamline the development process.

• SharePoint Embedded & Copilot Integration: New Microsoft advancements allow embedding AI directly into SharePoint using the SharePoint Embedded platform. This enables rapid creation of secure, AI-powered applications that integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 Copilot features.

• Simplified Content Creation & Compliance: Enhanced AI capabilities support tasks like metadata autofill, automated approvals, translation services, and content generation. These features help organizations manage sensitive data securely while making intranet content creation faster and more collaborative.

Introduction: Live Coding with AI in SharePoint

Daniel Anderson [MVP] recently shared an unfiltered look at using artificial intelligence to write SharePoint code in real time, as showcased in his YouTube video, "I Let AI Write My SharePoint Code Live - Here's What Happened." In the video, Anderson leverages advanced AI tools like Cursor and Claude 4 Sonnet during a 30-minute live coding session. The goal is to build a custom News web part for SharePoint, demonstrating both the potential and practical challenges of AI-assisted development.

This approach offers viewers a transparent experience of modern coding workflows, highlighting the strengths and limitations of integrating AI into SharePoint development. By documenting errors, troubleshooting, and collaborative problem-solving with AI, Anderson provides an authentic perspective on how developers can adapt to these new tools.

Real-Time Problem Solving and AI Collaboration

Throughout the session, Anderson interacts naturally with AI, using both text and voice input to streamline development. One of the standout features is the transformation of traditional dropdown controls into dynamic visual card layouts, achieved through direct conversation with Claude 4 Sonnet. This process not only speeds up interface customization but also showcases how AI can bridge the gap between concept and execution.

However, the video also exposes the tradeoffs involved. While AI can quickly generate boilerplate code and suggest solutions, it sometimes introduces errors or requires multiple adjustments. Anderson’s live debugging, especially of complex property pane issues, reveals that AI assistance is not a replacement for human expertise but rather a powerful complement. Developers must still review, test, and refine the output to ensure functionality and meet project requirements.

Balancing Speed, Efficiency, and Control

One of the key advantages highlighted is the significant boost in speed and efficiency. AI-driven development reduces the time needed to create SharePoint solutions, turning what once took days into a matter of minutes. Features such as metadata autofill, automated approvals, and translation services further streamline content management and workflow automation.

Despite these benefits, Anderson’s session demonstrates that relying heavily on AI introduces certain challenges. For example, errors can propagate quickly if not caught early, and developers must remain vigilant to maintain quality. Additionally, while AI accelerates routine tasks, it may struggle with highly customized requirements, necessitating manual intervention.

Security, Compliance, and Industry Applications

Security and compliance remain paramount, particularly for organizations handling sensitive information. The integration of AI within Microsoft’s SharePoint Embedded platform addresses these concerns by keeping all content and code within the organization’s secure environment. This is especially important for industries with strict governance needs, such as legal firms that benefit from solutions like CoCounsel AI integrated directly into SharePoint.

By avoiding third-party data transfers and maintaining enterprise-grade controls, developers can confidently adopt AI-powered tools without compromising on security. This balance between innovation and compliance is a recurring theme in Anderson’s demonstration and resonates strongly with enterprise audiences.

New Tools and Evolving Workflows

The video also spotlights recent advancements in the SharePoint development ecosystem. The release of the SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code Extension, now generally available, simplifies the integration of AI into daily workflows. Developers can now build, test, and deploy custom applications more seamlessly within familiar environments, enhancing productivity and reducing learning curves.

Moreover, AI-powered agents within SharePoint can now act as subject matter experts, automating content creation and approvals while improving integration with Teams and Copilot apps. These innovations not only make intranet site management easier but also encourage a broader range of users to participate in the development process, regardless of technical background.

Conclusion: The Future of AI-Assisted SharePoint Development

Anderson’s live coding experiment underscores both the promise and the ongoing challenges of AI-assisted SharePoint development. While AI tools can dramatically enhance speed, efficiency, and user experience, they require careful oversight and a willingness to iterate. As the technology matures, striking the right balance between automation, customization, and security will be crucial for organizations aiming to fully leverage AI in their digital transformation journeys.

Ultimately, the video serves as a valuable resource for developers interested in authentic, hands-on examples of AI integration, offering insights that go beyond polished tutorials to reflect the realities of modern software development.

Keywords

AI SharePoint coding AI code generation SharePoint automation live coding AI programming SharePoint development AI-assisted coding Microsoft SharePoint AI tutorial