Microsoft Unveils Exciting Updates in SharePoint Framework 1.21: Get Ready for a User Experience Revamp!

In a noteworthy move, Microsoft has launched the beta version 1.21 of the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) on February 25, 2024, marking a significant step only five months after releasing version 1.20. While patch updates for SPFx have been infrequent, Microsoft has committed to delivering smaller updates more regularly since the introduction of version 1.17.

What’s New in SPFx 1.21 Beta?

The latest beta version features two exciting updates focused on user interface components and one pivotal tooling enhancement. Microsoft has promised even more features when the general availability version is set to roll out around April or May of this year.

One of the standout additions in this update is the introduction of Flexible Sections for SharePoint pages and news content. This groundbreaking feature allows authors to construct pages without being confined to a rigid column format. The new 'Flexible' section type enables web parts to be dragged and resized freely, transforming the way developers and users interact with SharePoint.

Custom web parts now have built-in support for this flexible layout, requiring zero code changes for compatibility. The web part manifest file, however, has been updated to allow detailed specifications for flexible layout sizing. Developers can easily adjust parameters such as dynamic resizing and default dimensions to tailor user experiences.

Enhancements for Microsoft Viva Connections

Additionally, SPFx 1.21 brings improvements to Microsoft Viva Connections components. These enhancements are delivered as Adaptive Card Extensions (ACEs), which leverage the visually appealing adaptive card framework. With this version, users can configure new cards for their company dashboard—a powerful feature for personalized user experiences. By default, these new cards come with personalization disabled, but enabling it is merely a matter of modifying the adaptive card manifest.

Upgraded Teams SDK

Another significant enhancement in this update is the upgrade of the default Teams JavaScript SDK included with SPFx, which is now at version 2.32. Developers should note that the latest SDK version is 2.34, so keeping updated with the latest releases is critical for optimal performance.

Developers eager to experiment with the new features can access the full release notes on the GitHub page. To install the beta, they’ll need to use the command: ```bash npm install @microsoft/generator-sharepoint@next --global ```

For those looking to upgrade from SPFx 1.20 to the 1.21 beta version, it’s advised to uninstall the existing 1.20 packages and install the 1.21.0-beta.0 packages accordingly, or alternatively, leverage a CLI tool to facilitate a smooth transition.

As Microsoft continues to innovate within the SharePoint environment, users and developers alike can anticipate a more dynamic and user-friendly experience that aligns with modern digital workplace needs. Stay tuned for the upcoming full release, where more surprises await!