15 SharePoint Interview Questions and Answers

SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft for document management, collaboration, and content management. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and is widely used by organizations to create websites, manage documents, and facilitate team collaboration. Its versatility and robust features make it a critical tool for businesses aiming to improve productivity and streamline workflows.

This article provides a curated selection of SharePoint interview questions designed to help you demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the platform. By reviewing these questions and their answers, you will be better prepared to showcase your knowledge and skills in SharePoint during your interview.

SharePoint Interview Questions and Answers

1. Describe the architecture of SharePoint.

SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft Office. Its architecture is designed to be scalable, flexible, and secure, supporting a wide range of business needs. The architecture of SharePoint can be broken down into several key components:

• Web Front End (WFE) Servers: These servers handle user requests, render web pages, and serve static content. They are responsible for load balancing and ensuring high availability.
• Application Servers: These servers run background services and applications, such as search, Excel services, and workflow management.
• Database Servers: SharePoint uses SQL Server to store configuration data, content, and metadata.
• Service Applications: These are specialized services that provide specific functionalities, such as search and user profile management.
• Content Databases: These databases store the actual content, such as documents, lists, and libraries.
• Central Administration: This is the web-based interface used by administrators to manage the SharePoint farm.
• Site Collections and Sites: A site collection is a group of websites under a common top-level site.

2. What are Content Types and how are they used?

Content Types in SharePoint are reusable collections of metadata, workflows, and other settings for items in a SharePoint list or library. They enable users to manage and organize content in a structured and consistent manner. By defining a Content Type, you can specify the attributes and behaviors common to a particular type of content.

For example, you might create a Content Type for Project Documents that includes specific metadata fields like Project Name, Project Manager, and Due Date. This Content Type can then be applied to multiple document libraries across your SharePoint site.

Content Types are used in various scenarios, such as:

• Standardizing metadata across multiple lists and libraries
• Applying consistent workflows and policies to similar types of content
• Facilitating content discovery and search by using consistent metadata
• Enabling content management and governance by defining retention policies and information management settings

3. What is the purpose of the SharePoint Client Object Model (CSOM)?

The SharePoint Client Object Model (CSOM) enables developers to interact with SharePoint data from client-side applications. This is useful for scenarios where server-side code execution is not feasible. CSOM provides a way to perform operations like retrieving, updating, and managing SharePoint data without needing direct access to the server.

CSOM is available in multiple languages, including .NET, JavaScript, and Silverlight, making it versatile for different development environments. It abstracts the complexities of the SharePoint server-side API, providing a more straightforward way to interact with SharePoint data.

Example:

using Microsoft.SharePoint.Client;

ClientContext context = new ClientContext("http://yoursharepointsite");
Web web = context.Web;
context.Load(web);
context.ExecuteQuery();

Console.WriteLine("Web Title: " + web.Title);

4. How would you use REST API in SharePoint?

REST API in SharePoint allows developers to interact with SharePoint data remotely by using HTTP requests. It provides a way to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on SharePoint objects such as lists, libraries, and sites.

To use REST API in SharePoint, you typically need to:

• Construct the appropriate REST endpoint URL.
• Use HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform operations.
• Handle authentication and authorization.

Here is a simple example of how to use REST API to retrieve items from a SharePoint list using JavaScript:

function getListItems() {
    var siteUrl = "https://yoursharepointsite";
    var listName = "YourListName";
    var endpointUrl = siteUrl + "/_api/web/lists/getbytitle('" + listName + "')/items";

    $.ajax({
        url: endpointUrl,
        type: "GET",
        headers: {
            "Accept": "application/json; odata=verbose"
        },
        success: function(data) {
            console.log(data.d.results);
        },
        error: function(error) {
            console.error(error);
        }
    });
}

In this example, we use jQuery’s $.ajax method to send a GET request to the SharePoint REST API endpoint. The Accept header specifies that we expect a JSON response.

5. Explain the concept of Feature Stapling.

Feature Stapling in SharePoint is a technique used to associate custom features with site definitions without altering the original site definition files. This allows for the automatic activation of custom features whenever a new site is created using a specific site definition.

To implement feature stapling, you need to create a feature that contains a FeatureSiteTemplateAssociation element. This element specifies the site definition to which the feature should be stapled.

Example XML snippet:

<Feature xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/"
         Id="GUID"
         Title="My Feature Stapler"
         Scope="Farm">
  <ElementManifests>
    <ElementManifest Location="elements.xml"/>
  </ElementManifests>
</Feature>

In the elements.xml file, you define the association:

<Elements xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/">
  <FeatureSiteTemplateAssociation Id="Feature-GUID" TemplateName="STS#0"/>
</Elements>

In this example, the custom feature with the specified GUID will be stapled to the site definition STS#0 (Team Site).

6. How do you handle authentication and authorization in SharePoint?

Authentication in SharePoint is the process of verifying the identity of a user or service. SharePoint supports multiple authentication methods, including:

• Windows Authentication: Uses Active Directory to authenticate users.
• Forms-Based Authentication (FBA): Allows the use of custom identity providers, such as SQL databases or LDAP directories.
• OAuth: Used for app authentication, allowing apps to access SharePoint resources on behalf of a user.
• Claims-Based Authentication: Extends Windows Authentication by using claims to represent user attributes.

Authorization in SharePoint is the process of determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do. This is managed through:

• SharePoint Groups: Users can be added to groups with predefined permission levels, such as Read, Contribute, or Full Control.
• Permission Levels: Custom permission levels can be created to meet specific needs.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Permissions can be assigned based on user roles.
• Item-Level Permissions: Specific permissions can be set for individual items or documents.

7. How do you deploy a SharePoint solution package (WSP)?

Deploying a SharePoint solution package (WSP) involves several key steps:

• Add the Solution to the Solution Store: The first step is to add the WSP file to the SharePoint solution store using the Add-SPSolution cmdlet.
• Deploy the Solution: Once the solution is added, it needs to be deployed to the SharePoint farm using the Install-SPSolution cmdlet.
• Activate the Features: After deployment, the features contained within the WSP need to be activated using the Enable-SPFeature cmdlet.
• Verify Deployment: Finally, verify that the solution has been deployed and activated correctly using the Get-SPSolution cmdlet.

Example commands:

# Add the solution to the solution store
Add-SPSolution -LiteralPath "C:\Path\To\YourSolution.wsp"

# Deploy the solution
Install-SPSolution -Identity YourSolution.wsp -WebApplication http://yourwebapp -GACDeployment

# Activate the feature
Enable-SPFeature -Identity YourFeature -Url http://yourwebapp

8. What is the difference between Farm Solutions and Sandbox Solutions?

Farm Solutions and Sandbox Solutions are two different types of solutions in SharePoint, each with its own characteristics and use cases.

Farm Solutions:

• Farm Solutions are deployed at the farm level and have full access to the SharePoint server-side object model.
• They can perform operations that affect the entire SharePoint farm.
• Farm Solutions run with full trust, meaning they have unrestricted access to the server resources.
• Deployment of Farm Solutions requires administrative privileges and typically involves a server restart.

Sandbox Solutions:

• Sandbox Solutions are deployed at the site collection level and have limited access to the SharePoint server-side object model.
• They are designed to run in a restricted execution environment, known as the sandbox.
• Sandbox Solutions run with partial trust, meaning they have restricted permissions.
• Deployment of Sandbox Solutions does not require administrative privileges and can be done by site collection administrators.

9. How do you implement event receivers in SharePoint?

Event receivers in SharePoint are used to handle events that occur within SharePoint, such as adding, updating, or deleting items in a list or library. They allow developers to execute custom code in response to these events. Event receivers can be synchronous (before the event occurs) or asynchronous (after the event occurs).

To implement an event receiver in SharePoint, you typically follow these steps:

• Create a class that inherits from SPItemEventReceiver or another appropriate base class.
• Override the methods corresponding to the events you want to handle, such as ItemAdded, ItemUpdated, or ItemDeleted.
• Register the event receiver with the specific list or library where you want it to be active.

Example:

public class ItemAddedEventReceiver : SPItemEventReceiver
{
    public override void ItemAdded(SPItemEventProperties properties)
    {
        base.ItemAdded(properties);
        SPListItem item = properties.ListItem;
        item["Title"] = "Updated by Event Receiver";
        item.Update();
    }
}

To register the event receiver, you can use a feature receiver or PowerShell script:

public override void FeatureActivated(SPFeatureReceiverProperties properties)
{
    SPWeb web = properties.Feature.Parent as SPWeb;
    SPList list = web.Lists["YourListName"];
    list.EventReceivers.Add(SPEventReceiverType.ItemAdded, 
                            "YourAssemblyName, Version=1.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=yourPublicKeyToken", 
                            "YourNamespace.ItemAddedEventReceiver");
}

10. Explain the use of Managed Metadata Service.

Managed Metadata Service (MMS) in SharePoint is a service application that enables the use and management of metadata across sites and site collections. It allows for the creation and management of term sets and terms, which can be used to tag content consistently across an organization.

Key components of MMS include:

• Term Store: A database that stores all the terms and term sets.
• Term Sets: A collection of related terms that can be used for tagging content.
• Terms: Individual metadata entries within a term set.

The Managed Metadata Service provides several benefits:

• Consistency: Ensures consistent use of metadata across the organization.
• Searchability: Improves the search experience by allowing users to find content based on standardized terms.
• Governance: Helps in maintaining data governance by providing a centralized way to manage metadata.
• Navigation: Can be used to create navigation structures based on metadata.

11. How do you optimize SharePoint performance?

Optimizing SharePoint performance involves a combination of hardware, software, and best practices. Here are some key strategies:

• Hardware Optimization: Ensure that the server hardware meets or exceeds the recommended specifications for CPU, memory, and storage.
• Software Configuration: Optimize SQL Server performance by configuring it to use multiple data files for content databases and enabling instant file initialization.
• Content Management: Implement best practices for content management, such as using content databases of appropriate size and avoiding large lists with more than 5,000 items.
• Network Optimization: Ensure a high-speed and low-latency network connection between SharePoint servers and SQL Server.
• Cache Configuration: Enable and configure object caching, output caching, and BLOB caching to reduce the load on the database.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor performance using tools like SharePoint Health Analyzer and SQL Server Profiler.

12. How does SharePoint support collaboration and document management?

SharePoint supports collaboration and document management through a variety of features designed to enhance productivity and ensure secure, efficient handling of documents.

Firstly, SharePoint offers robust version control, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously while maintaining a history of changes.

Secondly, SharePoint provides granular permissions and access control. Administrators can define who can view, edit, or delete documents, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized personnel.

Additionally, SharePoint integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook. This integration allows users to edit documents directly within these applications and save changes back to SharePoint.

SharePoint also supports real-time collaboration through features like co-authoring, where multiple users can work on a document simultaneously.

13. What are the best practices for SharePoint governance?

Best practices for SharePoint governance involve several key areas:

1. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define who is responsible for what within the SharePoint environment.

2. Establish Policies and Procedures: Develop and document policies and procedures for content management, site creation, and user access.

3. Ensure Compliance and Security: Implement security measures to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

4. Training and Support: Provide ongoing training and support for users to ensure they understand how to use SharePoint effectively.

5. Monitor and Review: Regularly monitor the SharePoint environment to ensure compliance with governance policies and to identify any issues or areas for improvement.

6. Content Lifecycle Management: Implement a content lifecycle management strategy to ensure that content is regularly reviewed, updated, and archived as necessary.

14. What are the key considerations for SharePoint migration?

When planning a SharePoint migration, several key considerations must be taken into account to ensure a smooth transition:

• Assessment of Current Environment: Evaluate the existing SharePoint environment to understand the current structure, content, and customizations.
• Migration Strategy: Decide on the migration approach, whether it will be a big bang migration, phased migration, or hybrid approach.
• Data Mapping and Transformation: Ensure that data from the old environment is accurately mapped to the new environment.
• User Impact and Training: Consider the impact on end-users and plan for adequate training and support.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct thorough testing to validate that the migration has been successful.
• Post-Migration Activities: Plan for post-migration activities such as monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization.

15. Explain the use of PowerShell in managing SharePoint.

PowerShell is extensively used in managing SharePoint for several reasons:

• Automation: PowerShell scripts can automate repetitive administrative tasks, such as site creation, user management, and permissions configuration.
• Configuration Management: PowerShell allows administrators to configure and manage SharePoint settings and services programmatically.
• Batch Processing: PowerShell can execute batch operations, making it easier to apply changes to multiple sites or items simultaneously.
• Advanced Administration: PowerShell provides access to advanced administrative functions that may not be available through the SharePoint user interface.

Example:

# Create a new SharePoint site collection
$siteUrl = "https://yoursharepointsite/sites/newsite"
$owner = "domain\username"
$template = "STS#0"
New-SPSite -Url $siteUrl -OwnerAlias $owner -Template $template