Early release tenants now have the ability to edit JavaScript & CSS files directly in the Web Browser. There is primitive auto complete support & syntax validation.

What you need to do is navigate into a new look document library containing JavaScript or CSS files and click on the file. It opens in the browser & and you can edit. Try it. You will like it.

Running some rudimentary tests I noted the save process was a bit delayed. If I saved a file and immediately reopened it I’d see the previous version. However the overall the editing experience was great. I will definitely be using this in situations where previously would have used SP Designer or downloaded / modified / uploaded a minor change.

The new “Document Library Look” is beginning to round itself out and with features like this is going to make end users very happy! Would be nice if we could get a matrix of comparison with classic features so we know when to enable en-mass on customized portals.

JavaScript Editor

Very slick editor. Nice colors & minimal feel. Line numbers enabled by default (take that Visual Studio)…

CSS Editor

Surprisingly impressive auto complete support – given CSS3 + CSS4 selectors it’s leagues ahead of SharePoint Designer.

Command Palette Tools

When you click command palette (F1) on the tools menu you’re presented with many additional commands. Although primarily formatting it’s nice to be able to perform complex find operations etc.. Will have to explore this more going forward.

The Future??

Overall this is a neat little upgrade that’ll save developers time. SP Designer seems to have taken a turn toward the irrelevant and this is a much more convenient tool for quick updates & live repairs – in some ways it’s superior so great upgrade by Microsoft! Happy SharePointing!

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