Section 2.1. What Is a Web Part?

2.1. What Is a Web Part?

A Web Part is a modular and reusable component that can be placed into any SharePoint Services web page. A Web Part is generally composed of a Web Part description file (.dwp) and some external code that provides the functionality (a .NET assembly or .dll file). For most purposes, however, all you need to know is that a Web Part is a building block for a team site.

2.1.1. The Web Part Description

The Web Part description file is an XML file containing all the property names and settings for the Web Part. The description file also contains a reference to the Web Part assembly. In general, you will never have to look at or understand a DWP file unless you are developing your own custom Web Parts.

2.1.2. The Web Part Code

Each Web Part is a special type of ASP.NET application. The Web Part code is compiled into a .NET assembly and stored in the Global Assembly Cache or the bin directory. Once again, unless you are developing your own custom Web Parts, you will never need to look at the code files for a Web Part.