Have you ever wondered what truly separates an ordinary intranet from a digital workplace that people actually enjoy using? The answer almost always lies in the quality of its custom experiences, integrations, and the technology powering it. With SPFx, organizations are free to create those experiences with accuracy, performance, and creativity.

With its modern architecture, Microsoft Graph capabilities, flexible UI options, and long-term alignment with Microsoft 365, SPFx remains one of the most strategic tools for any business looking to unlock the full potential of SharePoint and Teams. Our SharePoint consultants help organizations design, build, and scale SPFx solutions that align with business goals, performance standards, and long-term Microsoft 365 strategy.

1. What is SharePoint Framework?

SharePoint Framework (SPFx) is a client-side development framework used to build custom web parts, extensions, and applications for modern SharePoint and Microsoft 365.

It allows developers to use modern web technologies such as TypeScript, React, and Node.js to create solutions that run securely in the browser and integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 services, without requiring heavy server-side code.

2. Why Microsoft Created SharePoint Framework

The previous methods of customization of SharePoint, such as farm solutions and sandboxed solutions, were restrictive, complicated, and usually unsafe. The solution to these problems is SPFx, which is a modern browser-based model that provides fast performance, flexibility, security, and cross-platform compatibility.

SPFx is the modern toolkit developers use to build anything SharePoint does not provide out of the box. It is the engine that powers modern intranet experiences.

3. Why SharePoint Framework is Used: Key Benefits for Modern SharePoint

Before diving deeper into SPFx architecture, it helps to understand why organizations rely on this framework and what value it introduces to their digital workplace strategies:

Modern User Experience

The responsive layouts, enhanced UI patterns, dynamic content, and fluid interactions that are provided by SPFx lead to a refined, app-like experience.
Deep Microsoft 365 Integration

The SPFx is compatible with Microsoft 365 services, allowing a developer to utilize information in Teams, Viva Connections, OneDrive, and Microsoft Graph.
Flexible and Fast

SPFx is a client-side code, which is why it is not dependent on server round-trip, thus making pages faster and interactions smoother.
Future-Proof Model

The SPFx is the fundamental development tool to modern SharePoint sites, Teams applications, and Viva dashboards.
Business-Level Customization

SPFx provides organizations with full control over user experience, branding, workflows, API integrations, and logic.

4. How SharePoint Framework Works

Knowing the way SPFx works behind the scenes helps developers create scalable and maintainable solutions. Now, will break down the architecture in a simple, approachable manner:

Client-Side Rendering

SPFx is a JavaScript-based framework. This cuts away server dependency and enhances performance.
SharePoint Page Canvas

The present-day pages are based on a canvas in which SPFx components can be dragged and dropped. The framework also makes the component visually appealing and handles the configuration using a properties panel.
Integration Layer

SPFx interacts with Microsoft Graph and SharePoint REST API through secure authentication through Azure Active Directory. This allows real-time access to information, including user profiles, documents, or Teams messages.
Packaging and Deployment

Developers package the solution into bundles, upload them to the App Catalog, and activate them at a tenant or site level. SharePoint automatically disperses the parts wherever they are required.

5. SharePoint Framework Web Parts vs Extensions

Since SPFx offers multiple ways to customize SharePoint, it is important to distinguish between visual vs behavioral components before choosing one for your project:

SPFx Web Parts

These are visual contents that are added to pages. They include user interface components in the form of charts, dashboards, lists, forms, or widgets. They are best suited to displaying data or to be interactive.

SPFx Extensions

Extensions alter the behavior of SharePoint rather than presenting the content on the page.

They include:

Banner or custom header Application Customizers.
List column rendering Field Customizers to alter list columns.
Add Custom Command Sets to add custom commands to SharePoint toolbars.

SPFx Web Parts vs Extensions

Factor	SPFx Web Parts	SPFx Extensions
Primary Purpose	Add custom UI and functionality directly to a SharePoint page.	Extend or modify SharePoint’s existing user interface and behavior.
Usage Scenario	Used to display custom content such as visualizations, forms, widgets, and dashboards.	Used to customize the look, behavior, commands, or fields of SharePoint.
Placement on Page	Manually added to pages using the “Add Web Part” option.	Automatically applied across sites or pages based on deployment.
Types Available	Client-side Web Parts (React, Angular, Vue, etc.).	Three types: Application Customizers, Field Customizers, and Command Sets.
UI Rendering	Renders directly on the page within a Web Part container.	Modifies existing SharePoint UI such as headers, footers, list views, and command bars.
Visibility	Clearly visible components on the page.	Often invisible; impacts UI behavior rather than displaying content.
Interaction	Highly user-interactive (buttons, forms, charts).	UI enhancements such as commands, notifications, formatting, or script injection.
Deployment Scope	Page-level; added only where required.	Site-level or tenant-level depending on deployment and activation.
Configuration Options	Configured through the Web Part property pane.	Configured via code or tenant properties; no property pane.
Common Examples	Dashboards, forms, news components, charts, custom UI blocks.	Custom headers/footers, extra list commands, field formatting, script injection.
Life Cycle	Runs when the Web Part is loaded on a page.	Runs globally depending on extension type and scope.
Framework Support	Fully supports React, Angular, Vue, and other frameworks.	Primarily supports React and JavaScript for UI-related enhancements.
End-User Control	End users can add, remove, or configure Web Parts.	End users typically cannot add or remove extensions.
Best For	Custom content and interactive UI blocks.	Enhancing or customizing native SharePoint behaviors.
Limitations	Works only where explicitly added; not global.	Cannot display standalone content like a Web Part.

6. SharePoint Framework for SharePoint Online and Microsoft Teams

As the Microsoft 365 ecosystem expands, SPFx is no longer limited to SharePoint alone. Its role now extends to Teams and other Microsoft applications, which is why understanding its broader footprint is essential:

For SharePoint Online

The creation of custom intranet components, advanced forms, dashboards, workflows, and integrated business logic is done using SPFx.

For Microsoft Teams

The SPFx solutions may be converted to:.

Teams apps
Teams tabs
Viva Connections dashboards

The "build once, deploy everywhere" model saves a lot of time in development.

7. Tools and Prerequisites Needed for SPFx Development

The developers need the appropriate tools and the appropriate skills in order to start creating SPFx components. Here is what is required:

Required Development Tools

Node.js
Yeoman generator for SPFx
Gulp CLI
Visual Studio Code
SharePoint Online ecosystem.
Dev certificate HTTPS (autogenerated).

Recommended Skills

JavaScript and TypeScript
React for UI development
REST API calling patterns
Understanding of Microsoft Graph
Simple understanding of SharePoint lists, libraries, and permissions

These are the basis of successful SPFx development.

8. How to Create Your First SharePoint Framework Web Part - Step-by-Step Overview

After the tools are configured, it is extremely easy to create your first SPFx web part. Think of it as a scaffolding guide: you build a project, configure the UI, test it on your machine, and finally package and deploy it to SharePoint.

Below is a high-level yet practical overview of the development steps:

Install Node.js

The development of SPFx is based on the use of Node.js to execute build tools and the local development environment.
- Install the official site of Node.js.
- Ensure that the version you install is compatible with the version of SPFx that you intend to use (which is normally indicated in the SPFx documentation at Microsoft).
- Once it is installed, check it in a terminal or command prompt with:
  - node -v
  - npm -v
Install Yeoman and Microsoft’s SPFx Generator

Yeoman is a scaffolding tool that assists you in creating project structures in a fast manner.

Run the following commands:
- npm install -g yo
- npm install -g @microsoft/generator-sharepoint
This puts Yeoman and the official SPFx generator on the global stage, enabling you to make new projects out of any folder.
Create a New Project with yo @microsoft/sharepoint

The next step is to create the underlying SPFx project.
- Make a folder of your solution and enter it in your terminal.
- Run: yo @microsoft/sharepoint
The generator is going to present you with a set of questions (solution name, target environment, type of component, etc.). Your responses in this section determine the first framework of your project.
Choose the Web Part Scaffold

SPFx assists in various methods of developing the UI.
- Use React when you would like to have a modern and component-based UI framework with a good community and Microsoft examples.
- Select no JavaScript Framework when you want to use plain JavaScript, TypeScript, or you want to add your own framework in the future.
The option here defines the way the starting web part code is organized.
Select a Framework (React or No Framework)

SPFx supports several approaches for building the UI.
- Choose React if you want a modern, component-based UI framework with a strong community and Microsoft samples.
- Choose No JavaScript Framework if you prefer plain JavaScript, TypeScript, or want to bring your own framework later.
The choice here determines how the initial web part code is structured.
Select a Framework (React or No Framework)

SPFx supports several approaches for building the UI.
- Choose React if you want a modern, component-based UI framework with a strong community and Microsoft samples.
- Choose No JavaScript Framework if you prefer plain JavaScript, TypeScript, or want to bring your own framework later.
The choice here determines how the initial web part code is structured.
Open the Project in Visual Studio Code

After the scaffolding is finished, open the project in your editor.

At the terminal, go to your project folder (assuming that you are in it).

Open it in VS Code, for example:
- You will see folders like src, config, and sharepoint. Your main web part code will typically live under src/webparts.
Run gulp serve to Open the Local Workbench

Run gulp serve to Open the Local Workbench

In the project folder, run:

gulp serve
- This begins a local development server and opens the SharePoint Workbench in your browser.
- The Workbench provides the ability to add your web part to a test page, configure it, and view changes in real time as you make code changes.
Write Your Component Logic and UI

You are free to make the web part yours now that the dev server is running.
- Open the primary web component file (i.e. a .tsx file in case you selected React).
- Modify the UI: modify text, design, styles, and control additions.
- Add logic: invoke APIs, process events, maintain state, and connect to SharePoint or Microsoft Graph when necessary.
Every time you save, the Workbench refreshes so you can see your changes in real time
Build Production Bundles Using gulp bundle --ship

When you are ready with your web part, you get it ready for production.

Run: gulp bundle --ship
- This is a command that will optimize and bundle your scripts, styles, and assets to be deployed. It will reduce their size and enhance their performance.
Package the Solution Using gulp package-solution --ship

Next, you package your SPFx solution into a file that SharePoint understands.

Run: gulp package-solution --ship
- This creates a .sppkg file in the sharepoint/solution folder.
- Your web part and all the metadata are included in that package.
Upload the Package to the App Catalog and Deploy

Finally, you make your web part available to SharePoint sites.
- Access your SharePoint App Catalog (tenant-level or site collection level).
- Upload the .sppkg file.
- Accept and implement it, which means to make it accessible throughout the selected scope (tenant or individual locations).

After deployment, site owners are able to add your web part to modern pages like any out of the box SharePoint web part.

9. SharePoint Framework & Microsoft Graph: Real Integration Use Cases

The Microsoft Graph integration of SPFx opens up the possibilities of enterprise solutions through the ability to access Microsoft 365 data safely. To get the actual value, we can take the following applications:

Practical Use Cases

Showing the user profile cards and organizational charts.
Pulling files off the OneDrive or SharePoint libraries.
Posting Teams messages or channel activity.
Retrieving future calendar events.
Displaying task lists of Planner or To Do.
Real-time business metrics visualization.
Graph endpoint-based custom search experiences.

SPFx transforms Microsoft Graph into a practical tool for building smart, data-driven intranet components.

10. SharePoint Framework Best Practices for Performance, Security, and Maintainability

Developing SPFx solutions requires more than coding. Following industry-leading practices ensures performance, reliability, and future readiness:

Performance

React is an efficient state manager.
Asynchronous loading is enabled.
Minimize the size of a bundle through the reuse of components.
Redundant re renders should be avoided.

Security

Request the minimum permissions needed.
Authenticate everything on the client and the server.
Sensitive API keys should not be exposed.
Whenever possible, use AAD secured endpoints.

Maintainability

Have a hierarchical project folder structure. Write reusable modules.
Dependencies and configuration: Document logic.
Version control should also be used.
Use automated build and deployment pipelines where feasible.

The practices are long-term sustainable in the enterprise settings.

11. Microsoft Roadmap for SharePoint Framework and When to Use It

Microsoft continues to invest in SPFx as the primary framework for extending modern SharePoint and Microsoft 365 experiences. Rather than replacing SPFx, newer tools are designed to complement it.

Key signals from Microsoft’s roadmap include:

Continued support and enhancements for SharePoint Online

SPFx remains the only supported framework for building custom modern web parts and extensions in SharePoint Online.
Deep Integration with Microsoft Teams

SPFx web parts can be surfaced as Teams tabs and Viva components, enabling reuse across collaboration surfaces.
Alignment with Viva and Microsoft 365 apps

SPFx powers Viva Connections dashboard cards and custom integrations within the Microsoft 365 app.
Modern authentication and Microsoft Graph expansion

Ongoing updates improve Graph access, security models, and API performance for enterprise integrations.
Performance, security, and tooling improvements

Microsoft continues to enhance build tooling, framework versions, and compatibility with modern JavaScript libraries.

Importantly, Power Platform and Copilot Studio focus on low-code scenarios, while SPFx remains Microsoft’s choice for full-control, developer-led customization.

When You Should Use SPFx

SPFx remains essential when:

You require a bespoke UI that is not available with off-the-shelf.
It needs flexibility in branding and design.
It should be integrated with complex enterprise systems.
You need JavaScript-based logic and complete control.
You want reusable elements of Teams and SharePoint.
Performance and responsiveness matter

12. SharePoint Framework and the Future

Microsoft is not replacing SPFx. Instead, the ecosystem around it is expanding. SPFx remains the foundation of development of the contemporary digital workplaces.

SharePoint Framework is much more than a development toolkit: this is the fuel of the modern intranet innovation. SPFx is still one of the most effective extensions to SharePoint and Teams with client-side performance, flexible UI tools, Microsoft Graph integration, and multi-platform compatibility.

Ready to elevate your SharePoint experience with modern, scalable, and user-focused solutions? Collaborate with Congruent Software and make your intranet a strong digital workplace.

Contact us today to discuss your SharePoint needs.

What is SharePoint Framework (SPFx)?