Sharepoint Workflow

Streamlining Your SharePoint Workflow Development Process

Developing workflows in SharePoint can often feel like a complex and frustrating task, particularly when it comes to debugging. Encountering roadblocks during the edit-compile-test loop can lead to wasted time and increased development headaches. In this post, we’ll address common challenges developers face and offer insights into improving this crucial loop for a better overall experience.

Understanding the Problem

Recently, many developers have shared their struggles with debugging SharePoint workflows. The iterative process of creating and testing can be slow and cumbersome—mostly due to the intricacies involved in setting up breakpoints and managing deployment conflicts.

Common Challenges

  • Debugging Difficulties: Setting breakpoints and stepping through code can lead to issues, especially when copying the .pdb and .dll files to the Global Assembly Cache (GAC).
  • Deployment Errors: Developers often encounter errors indicating that files cannot be signed or are locked.
  • Frequent Restarts: It’s frustrating to have to restart IIS, Visual Studio, or even the entire computer just to resolve these issues.

A Solution on the Horizon

Fortunately, the SharePoint team is currently addressing these problems. They are actively working on MOSS extensions for Visual Studio 2008, which promise improved functionality and a more seamless debugging experience. These features are reminiscent of what was previously available in Visual Studio 2005 but aim to enhance usability even further.

Key Features to Expect

  1. Integration with MOSS: The new extensions will facilitate easier debugging directly from Visual Studio, similar to prior offerings but built for compatibility with modern systems.

  2. Streamlined Permissions: Expect improved permission settings that will help avoid many common deployment issues encountered during development.

  3. Enhanced Debugging Tools: With these upcoming extensions, developers will be able to manage breakpoints and debug workflows without needing to export files or execute complicated commands.

Practical Tips for Current Development

Until these updates are released, here are some practical tips to help ease the strain during your current workflow development:

  • Utilize iisreset Wisely: While frequently having to perform this action can be irritating, when you encounter locked files, it’s a useful command to know. However, always ensure you save your work before resetting IIS.

  • Batch File Deployments: Automate the cumbersome process of deploying your .dll and .pdb files with a batch file, minimizing the need to switch between Windows Explorer and command-line operations.

  • Version Control: Maintain a version history of your workflow project to easily roll back changes if a particular deployment leads to issues. This can save significant troubleshooting time.

  • Regularly Restart Visual Studio: To mitigate persistent locking issues, incorporate regular breaks in your workflow where you restart Visual Studio as part of your routine.

In conclusion, while developing SharePoint workflows comes with its challenges, ongoing updates and proactive strategies can significantly improve your editing, compiling, and testing process. Keep an eye out for new extensions from the SharePoint team that promise to make your life easier, and utilize existing troubleshooting methods until then.

Remember, the workflow development landscape is set for enhancements that could streamline your experience even further. Stay tuned for updates, and happy coding!