Easy Web User Controls for SharePoint (MOSS) 2007

SmartPart v3, also known as the “SmartPart for SharePoint 2007” has been released. This is a container WebPart that can host any ASP.NET 2.0 Web User Control (ASCX). If you ever needed an excuse to get started with MOSS development, this is certainly it.

The SmartPart module is an open source WebPart for SharePoint that can host any ASP.NET Web User Control. For single file controls, control deployment is very simple. For more complex controls utilizing code-behind files and assemblies, additional configuration is required.

For those familiar with WebPart development, you know there are some challenges involved. For starters, there is a fair bit of code required and there is no design-time support for WebParts in Visual Studio. These are both substantial issues.

SmartPart addresses both of these issues by allowing developers to code simple (or complex) Web User Controls (.ascx files) utilizing the full set of visual development tools in VS and then deploy the result to a SharePoint (MOSS) 2007 site.

The SmartPart module has been around for a while — its already been downloaded more than 40,000 times. This version 3 is the first that is compatible with the recently released SharePoint 2007. It supports both Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) v3.0 and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007.

SmartPart for SharePoint (MOSS) 2007

This handy addition to the SharePoint toolbox has been shepherded into the world courtesy of Belgian blogger and Visual Studio weekend warrior, Jan Tielens. Jan cranks code and knowledge for U2U, a .NET-oriented training services outfit in Brussels.

SharePoint developers can pick up additional project history and context from the GotDotNet Workspace, or for immediate satisfaction, go grab the free download directly from the SmartPart releases area. Jan has also conveniently provided deployment instructions, including a 15 minute webcast with tutorials covering both deployment approaches. Overall, its an impressive and highly valuable contribution to the developer community. Nice work Jan.

[Editor's Note: This project has been moved to the Codeplex website.]

Easy Web User Controls for SharePoint (MOSS) 2007

SmartPart v3, also known as the \"SmartPart for SharePoint 2007\" has been released. This is a container WebPart that can host any ASP.NET 2.0 Web User Control (ASCX). If you ever needed an excuse to get started with MOSS development, this is certainly it.

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