Introduction to PnP Reusable React Controls

Key insights

• PnP Reusable React Controls are open-source components that integrate smoothly with SharePoint Framework (SPFx) solutions, offering functionalities like file pickers and list views.


• The use of these controls leads to accelerated development, providing pre-designed elements that save time and ensure consistent user experiences across applications.


• Community-driven enhancements mean these controls benefit from continuous improvements and updates contributed by developers worldwide, simplifying maintenance and reducing potential bugs.


• To incorporate PnP React Controls into an SPFx project, developers need to install them using npm, configure resource files, and implement desired controls in their React components.


• Notable controls include FileTypeIcon, ListView, Placeholder, WebPartTitle, and TaxonomyPicker, each serving specific purposes within SPFx solutions.


• The library is continuously evolving with new updates such as improved Pagination control for data navigation and enhanced Dashboard control for dynamic content display. Developers are encouraged to contribute to its growth through community engagement.

Introduction to PnP Reusable React Controls

In the ever-evolving landscape of SharePoint development, efficiency and consistency have become crucial. The SharePoint Patterns and Practices (PnP) community addresses this need by offering a suite of reusable React controls specifically tailored for the SharePoint Framework (SPFx). These controls empower developers to craft intuitive and responsive user interfaces without the necessity of reinventing the wheel. As a result, developers can focus more on innovation rather than repetitive tasks.

What Are PnP Reusable React Controls?

PnP Reusable React Controls are open-source components designed to integrate seamlessly with SPFx solutions. They encompass a broad spectrum of functionalities, ranging from file pickers and people selectors to complex list views and taxonomy pickers. By leveraging these pre-built controls, developers can accelerate their development cycles and maintain a uniform user experience across various applications. Consequently, this approach not only saves time but also enhances the overall quality of the applications.

Advantages of Using PnP React Controls

• Accelerated Development: Utilizing pre-designed controls reduces the time spent on crafting common functionalities from scratch.
• Consistent User Experience: Standardized controls ensure a uniform look and feel across various applications, enhancing usability.
• Community-Driven Enhancements: Being open-source, these controls benefit from continuous improvements and updates contributed by the developer community.
• Simplified Maintenance: Relying on tested and documented controls minimizes potential bugs and simplifies future updates.

These advantages highlight the importance of adopting PnP React Controls in modern SPFx development, as they provide a robust foundation for building scalable and maintainable applications.

Basics of PnP React Controls

To integrate PnP React Controls into your SPFx project, follow these steps:

• Installation: Use npm to add the controls to your project:
  npm install @pnp/spfx-controls-react --save --save-exact
• Configuration: After installation, configure the resource file in your config/config.json:
  "localizedResources": { "ControlStrings": "node_modules/@pnp/spfx-controls-react/lib/loc/{locale}.js" }
• Implementation: Import and utilize the desired control in your React component:
  import { PeoplePicker } from "@pnp/spfx-controls-react/lib/PeoplePicker";
  <PeoplePicker context={this.props.context} titleText="Select Users" personSelectionLimit={5} showtooltip={true} required={true} disabled={false} onChange={this._getPeoplePickerItems} showHiddenInUI={false} principalTypes={[PrincipalType.User]} resolveDelay={1000} />

This example demonstrates integrating the PeoplePicker control to facilitate user selection within your web part. The ease of implementation underscores the practicality of using PnP React Controls in SPFx projects.

Notable Controls in the PnP Suite

The PnP Suite offers several notable controls, each serving distinct purposes:

• FileTypeIcon: Displays the icon corresponding to a specified file type or application.
• ListView: Renders data in a SharePoint-like list view, supporting features like sorting and grouping.
• Placeholder: Shows an initial placeholder prompting users to configure the web part.
• WebPartTitle: Provides a customizable title bar for web parts, aligning with out-of-the-box web part designs.
• TaxonomyPicker: Allows users to select terms from the managed metadata term store.

For a comprehensive list and detailed documentation of available controls, developers can visit the PnP SPFx Controls React repository. These controls provide the building blocks for creating sophisticated and user-friendly applications.

Recent Enhancements and Community Contributions

The PnP React Controls library is continually evolving, with recent updates introducing new controls and enhancing existing ones. For instance, the Pagination control has been refined to offer more intuitive navigation between data pages. Additionally, the Dashboard control now supports a more structured display of custom content through widgets, facilitating the creation of dynamic and interactive dashboards. Developers are encouraged to contribute to the library by submitting new controls, reporting issues, or suggesting enhancements. Engaging with the community through forums and GitHub discussions fosters collaboration and accelerates the evolution of these tools. This collaborative environment ensures that the PnP React Controls library remains relevant and continues to meet the needs of developers.

Conclusion

Incorporating PnP Reusable React Controls into your SPFx solutions not only streamlines development but also ensures a cohesive and consistent user experience. By leveraging these controls, developers can focus on delivering high-quality applications while benefiting from the collective knowledge and contributions of the community. As the PnP React Controls library continues to grow and evolve, it promises to remain an invaluable resource for SharePoint developers worldwide.

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