SharePoint 2007 -Advice please.

[Rauland]

Hi,
I've just been asigned the task of learning and getting to grips with SharePoint 2007, after learning some Asp.net with C#.

I really do not know nothing about SharePoint , will soon though, but would this involve any programming at all?

I am a little concerned as my main interest is gaining experience programing and wouldn't like to waste time.

So my question is, Would SharePoint involve any programming at all?

And what do you all think about SharePoint, is it a useful tool? Is it worthWhile to learn how to use this program?

Advice would be appreciated!
Thanks!

[Rauland]

Sb must have some advice!

[RobDog888]

Moved

I havent used it yet but you can find out more about it on the MS Office site:
http://www.microsoft.com/sharepoint/default.mspx

[Hack]

My advice would be to Google

[RobDog888]

Hack, most of the results point to the ms site for it. Whenever its something from MS I just go direct to the source as its usually better info anyways.

[Hack]

There is nothing wrong with second opinions from objective third parties.

[RobDog888]

Hmm, a page (only one other 3rd party link) of google results all pointing to MS doesnt really sound like object third parties.

Anyways, I didnt mean to hit a nerve or anything.

[Rauland]

Hi,
Thanks for the replies. I did google before I posted.
Only wanted some opnions/advice from people who have already worked with this software.

[mendhak]

Yes it will involve a little programming. But it's minimal. A chunk of the work is already done for you, you only end up customizing and applying their 'framework' to the pages that you create.

[mendhak]

Ah, if you want programming experience, I suggest you don't use SharePoint. As a coder and your best friend, I feel that it's something that was made for quick but small enterprise applications but at the same time limiting you to whatever functionality has been exposed. In other words, I don't like it. I'd rather achieve the same functionality myself and keep it flexible too.

As for whether it's worthwhile or not, depends on your job and the place you work in.

[Slaine]

I was at a microsoft conference last week that showcased some of the stuff that Sharepoint is capable of - and I can assure you that it is possible to create some very advanced and quite stunning applications with it.

So far from being useful only for 'quick but small enterprise applications' I would now seriously consider it a very good basis for any new online, enterprise development.

The only problem at the moment is that there appears to be very little third party options, and you are almost entirely restricted to the sample applications Microsoft provide, or what you can implement off your own back.