What SPFx is and how to get started
SPFx is the acronym for the SharePoint Framework – the client-side development model to extend SharePoint, which allows developers to extend the Microsoft Lists platform using custom solutions.
As we saw in the first chapter, Microsoft Lists is an evolution of SharePoint lists, and it has inherited everything that was developed for the parent platform over the years. This means that with Microsoft Lists, you will be able to use SPFx extensions to bring more functionality to your own lists.
Before we dig into the technical aspects of the development, first you need to prepare your environment and understand the components that together make the SharePoint framework. As the following figure illustrates, the framework is built of several components that, when combined, create the modern development method for SharePoint.
Figure 11.1 – SharePoint Framework components
Let's look at each of these components...
