SharePoint Online Modern Script Editor and Its Consequences

Overview

In SharePoint Online’s modern experiences, there is no built-in “Script Editor” web part like in classic SharePoint sites. The classic Script Editor web part allowed users to add custom code or scripts directly to a page. However, Microsoft has moved towards a more controlled and secure approach in modern SharePoint.

In modern SharePoint Online, the emphasis is on using SharePoint Framework (SPFx) solutions to customize and extend the platform. SPFx allows developers to build client-side web parts and extensions using modern web technologies such as TypeScript, React, and more. These customizations can be packaged and deployed to SharePoint sites, providing additional functionality and visual enhancements.

While there isn’t a direct equivalent to the classic Script Editor web part in modern SharePoint, you can achieve similar results by creating and deploying SPFx solutions tailored to your specific requirements. These solutions can include custom web parts, extensions, or application customizers that extend the capabilities of SharePoint Online.

Where to get / How to use?

you can achieve similar functionality using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) and the modern Script Editor web part available in the SharePoint community. Here are the steps to add a modern Script Editor web part in SharePoint Online:

In SharePoint Online modern experiences, the classic Script Editor web part is not available. However, you can achieve similar functionality using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) and the modern Script Editor web part available in the SharePoint community. Here are the steps to add a modern Script Editor web part in SharePoint Online:

Install the modern Script Editor web part solution: Visit the SharePoint community repository on GitHub (https://github.com/SharePoint/sp-dev-fx-webparts/tree/master/samples/react-script-editor) and follow the installation instructions to download and install the solution package.
Deploy the solution package: Use the SharePoint Framework development environment or deploy the package to your app catalog to make it available for use in your SharePoint sites.
Add the modern Script Editor web part: Navigate to the SharePoint site where you want to add the web part. Edit the page and click on the “+” button to add a new web part. Look for the “Script Editor” web part and add it to the page.
Configure the web part: Edit the properties of the Script Editor web part to specify the script or code you want to execute. You can input JavaScript, HTML, CSS, or any other valid code to customize the page’s behavior or appearance.
Save and publish the page: Once you’ve configured the Script Editor web part, save and publish the page to make the changes visible to others.

Please note that deploying custom code or scripts carries certain risks, and it’s essential to ensure the code you add is secure and doesn’t violate any governance or security policies in your organization. It’s recommended to thoroughly test and review any code before deploying it to a production environment.

Remember to consult with your SharePoint administrator or IT department for any specific guidance or considerations related to customizations in your SharePoint Online environment.

Consequences

When considering using custom scripts or code in SharePoint Online, including the modern Script Editor web part, it’s essential to be aware of the potential consequences and consider the following points:

Governance and Security: SharePoint Online has a strong focus on security and governance. Adding custom scripts introduces a potential security risk, as malicious code or poorly written scripts can compromise the integrity and security of your SharePoint environment. It’s crucial to carefully review and test any custom code before deploying it to production, and adhere to your organization’s security and governance policies.
Compatibility and Upgradability: Custom scripts or code can sometimes become incompatible with future updates or changes in SharePoint Online. Microsoft frequently releases updates and improvements to the platform, and customizations may require adjustments or updates to remain functional. Regular maintenance and monitoring of customizations are necessary to ensure compatibility and seamless functioning.
Support and Maintenance: Custom scripts or code may require ongoing support and maintenance. If issues arise, you may need the expertise of developers or SharePoint administrators to diagnose and resolve problems. It’s important to have resources available who understand the customizations implemented and can provide the necessary support when needed.
User Experience and Responsiveness: Custom scripts or code can impact the overall user experience and page performance. Poorly optimized or heavy scripts can increase page load times, affecting user satisfaction and productivity. It’s crucial to optimize scripts and ensure they do not significantly impact page responsiveness or cause usability issues.
Future SharePoint Updates: As Microsoft continues to enhance and evolve SharePoint Online, there is always the possibility that certain customizations or functionalities may no longer be supported or may require migration to new technologies or approaches. Staying informed about Microsoft’s roadmap and updates is important to ensure long-term sustainability and avoid potential disruptions.

Conclusion

When using custom scripts or code in SharePoint Online, it is recommended to follow best practices, involve experienced developers, conduct thorough testing, and have a clear plan for ongoing maintenance and support. Proper planning and consideration of the consequences can help mitigate risks and ensure a successful implementation.

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