Session Abstract

Level 200. Your SPFx solutions are only as good as the data they access. Whether you're building solutions for SharePoint, Teams apps, or Viva extensions, mastering data connectivity is what separates basic demos from production-ready solutions. In this session, you'll learn four essential approaches for connecting SPFx to data: - SharePoint REST API: Query lists, libraries, and site data with direct HTTP calls and batch operations - Microsoft Graph API: Access M365 data across tenants—users, groups, Teams, OneDrive, and beyond - Anonymous APIs: Integrate external data sources and third-party services without M365 authentication - PnPjs Library: Simplify all of the above with the most popular SPFx data framework—cleaner code, built-in retry logic, and powerful helper methods You'll see working code for each approach, understand when to use which method, and learn the patterns that prevent common pitfalls. Whether you're converting Classic web parts or building new experiences, you'll leave with battle-tested patterns you can implement immediately. Stop wrestling with API documentation and start building solutions that perform at scale.

Note to event organizers

The goal of this session is to expose the attendees to several ways to connect thier projects to the data in Office 365. We'll start with basic REST API calls to build a good foundation on how modern data interaction works and then show how to simply development while improving performance by leveraging existing advanced solutions.

Don Kirkham

As a Microsoft MVP in M365 Development and Microsoft Graph, Don has spent the last 20 years working with companies of all sizes, helping them maximize their productivity in SharePoint, Office 365 and Azure. With over 30 years of programming experience, Don's passion for coding is centered around the complete Microsoft ecosystem of cloud technologies. He loves working the entire development stack, from database design to the user interface, including no code/low code solutions in the Power Platform. Prior to working full-time as a software developer, Don spent 20 years as a pilot in the Air Force, accumulating over 4500 hours in various aircraft, including the T-1A, E-3B/C, and T-38.