Features in SharePoint

In this article we will explore the term "Features" in SharePoint.

What is a Feature?

The term Feature represents a functional component that can be activated in SharePoint. A Feature provides the following:

1. New Functionality
2. Site Customizations

For example, the Document ID Feature provides new Document Management functionalities to SharePoint. We can also create our own features and deploy to the customer site. A sample Features screen is shown below:



Scope of a Feature

The scope of the feature is one of the following:

1. Web
2. Site Collection
3. Web Application
4. Farm

Feature Events

A feature supports the following events:

• Installing
• Uninstalling
• Activating
• Deactivating

Feature Elements

A feature contains deployable elements like:

• Menu Commands
• Toolbar Buttons
• Web Parts
• Workflows
• Event Handlers
• Page Definitions
• List Definitions
• Templates

Activating Site Collection Features

A Site Collection Feature can be activated from the Site Actions > Site Collection Features link as shown below:



Activating Site Features

A Site Feature can be activated from the Site Actions > Manage Site Features link as shown below:



Creating Features through Visual Studio

We can create Features using Visual Studio. Whenever a new SharePoint project is created a Features folder is automatically added.



Once a Web Part or Workflow has been added a new Feature entry is added in the preceding folder.



In the Web Parts and Workflows chapters we can see more usage of Features.

Note: You need to install the SharePoint Project Templates for Visual Studio 2010.

Feature Stapling

The term Feature Stapling is an attachment of a Feature to all new instances of a particular Site Definition. This functionality is achieved without modifying the site definition. Feature Stapling is also called Feature Site Template Association.

References

http://tinyurl.com/sp2010-feature

Summary

In this article we have explored the "Features" feature in SharePoint. Features provide a convenient way in deployment, version, and dependency management.