Introduction
SharePoint has evolved from a simple collaboration portal into a powerful enterprise platform that connects with Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, and Power Platform. Over the past 10 years, the development model of SharePoint has completely transformed — moving from server-side coding and script injection to modern web development and API-first integration.
In this post, let’s explore how SharePoint development has changed, and which technologies are now becoming obsolete in the modern Microsoft 365 world.
The Classic Era — CSOM, JSOM, and Farm Solutions
SSOM (Server-Side Object Model)
Worked only in on-premises environments.
Required deploying code directly to the SharePoint server (farm).
Provided deep control but risked breaking stability and security.
CSOM (Client-Side Object Model)
Allowed developers to interact with SharePoint remotely using JavaScript.
Commonly used for automation, provisioning, and data access.
The UI Revolution — From Classic UI to Modern UI
Classic SharePoint
In the classic era, developers customized pages using:
Master Pages & Page Layouts
JavaScript Injection via Script Editor or Content Editor Web Parts
JSOM and jQuery for DOM manipulation
Modern SharePoint
With the introduction of Modern Experience, SharePoint adopted a clean, responsive, and accessible design built on modern web technologies.
Customizations now happen through:
SharePoint Framework (SPFx) — built on TypeScript, React, and Fluent UI.
Extensions such as Application Customizers and Field Customizers.
Integration with Power Platform (Power Apps & Power Automate).
The API Shift — From REST to Microsoft Graph
SharePoint REST API (/_api/)
The classic REST API allowed CRUD operations on lists, libraries, and users. It was a big step forward from CSOM, but still limited to SharePoint data only.
Microsoft Graph API
Microsoft Graph unifies access across all Microsoft 365 services — including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, and more.
Key benefits:
Secure authentication via Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
Unified endpoints
Modern, scalable, and cloud-oriented
Automation: Then vs Now
| Earlier (Legacy) | Modern (Recommended) |
|---|---|
| PowerShell with CSOM | PnP.PowerShell with Graph |
| SharePoint Designer Workflows | Power Automate |
| Farm Timer Jobs | Azure Functions or Logic Apps |
| Manual Site Provisioning | PnP Templates / Power Automate |
The new tools are cloud-first, secure, and automation-friendly — aligning perfectly with enterprise compliance models.
What’s Getting Deprecated or Obsoleted
| Area | Legacy Technology | Status | Modern Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| UI Customization | Master Pages, JSOM, Script Editor | Deprecated | SPFx Web Parts & Extensions |
| APIs | CSOM, SharePoint REST (/api) | Legacy | Microsoft Graph API |
| Server Code | Farm Solutions (WSP Packages) | Not Supported | SPFx / Azure-hosted Apps |
| Authentication | Legacy Tokens, Username/Password | Deprecated | OAuth 2.0 / Entra ID |
| Workflows | SharePoint 2010/2013 Workflows | Retired | Power Automate |
| Explorer Access | “Open with Explorer” | Deprecated | OneDrive Sync Client |
| Custom Jobs | Timer Jobs, Event Receivers | Obsolete Online | Webhooks / Azure Functions |
The Modern SharePoint Developer’s Toolkit
If you’re building for SharePoint Online today, these are your go-to tools:
SPFx (SharePoint Framework) — Modern web parts, extensions, and Viva integrations
Microsoft Graph API — Unified data access across Microsoft 365
PnP.PowerShell / PnP.Framework — Provisioning, automation, and scripting
Power Platform — Low-code integration with SharePoint data
Azure Functions / Logic Apps — Serverless extensibility
The Future
The future of SharePoint development is no longer about custom pages, but about integrated experiences:
Microsoft Copilot and Graph Data Fabric will use SharePoint as the foundation of knowledge.
Microsoft Syntex adds AI-based document understanding and tagging.
Microsoft Fabric & Graph Data Connect enable advanced analytics.
Declarative configuration, like PowerApps, replaces heavy custom code.
SharePoint is now part of a larger Microsoft 365 ecosystem — serving as the content backbone that connects data, collaboration, and AI.
Conclusion
The SharePoint development world has shifted from:
Server-based solutions -Client-side SPFx and API-driven development
Legacy authentication -Modern Entra ID
APIs -Unified Microsoft Graph
Custom workflows -Power Automate
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