Course Description
Module 1: An Introduction to InfoPath 2010
InfoPath is Microsoft’s forms-creation and data-gathering tool, doing
for forms what Word did for the printed page. Module 1 provides the
introduction to where InfoPath fits into business processes, the
requirements for using it and provides a framework for the rest of the
course.
- What is InfoPath?
- Why use InfoPath?
- Integrating InfoPath into Business Processes
- What is Needed to Utilize InfoPath?
- History of InfoPath
- Definitions and Assumptions for Course
Module 2: Creating, Editing and Publishing Forms
Now that we have an understanding of
InfoPath’s history, placement and capabilities, we dive into creating,
editing and publishing our forms. We also start our hands-on labs where
we create a form from scratch and publish it. We carry this form with us
throughout the course, improving it in each module.
- Form Creation Overview
- Where to Start
- Know Thy Audience
- Know Thy Data
- Building a Sample Form
- Lab 2.1- Start the CRF
- Publishing the Form
- Lab 2.2 – Publish the CRF to SharePoint
- (optional) Lab 2.3 – Publish a Copy of Form to Email
Module 3: Form Building – Nuts and Bolts
In Module 3 we dive deeper into the act of
building out forms and extend how to interact with the InfoPath Designer
client. We learn about the different kinds of controls available as
well as tools for optimizing layout of those controls onto the form.
Views are explored and explained as well as Template Parts, which help
with the reuse of common groups of controls. We then improve our lab
form with what we’ve learned.
- Data Sources
- Labels and Controls
- Organization and Usability
- Repeating Tables
- Lab 3.1 – Build out CRF
- Views
- Template Parts
- Design Checker
- Lab 3.2 – The CRF v2
Module 4: Calculations, Actions and Validation
In this module, we will explore how to
perform simple calculations, apply formulas and functions on controls,
and implement data validation in an InfoPath form. We will also explore
actions to display the results of a calculation, or set another field’s
value. In the lab, we will add calculations to the existing form.
- New definition: XPATH
- Calculated Values
- Actions
- Conditional Formatting
- Data Validation
- Lab 4.1 – Adding calculations and actions to CRF
Module 5: Workflows
InfoPath
has built-in actions and rules, but what really captures the power of
integrating InfoPath into one’s business practices is utilizing
SharePoint’s workflow capabilities. In Module 5 we cover the basics of
SharePoint workflow, how InfoPath uses and integrates with workflow and
we add some workflow to our lab form.
- SharePoint Workflow Concepts
- InfoPath’s Role in Workflow
- Integrating the Two
- Lab 5.1 – Add Workflow to CRF
Module 6: Connecting Forms with External Systems
In Module 6 we will cover connecting
InfoPath forms to external systems, both through SharePoint-provided
external connectivity known as BCS and the use of Web Services. Form
developers frequently need to access data that is not stored in XML or
SharePoint Lists or Libraries.
- Pulling Values from Other Places
- Business Data Connectivity Services (BCS)
- Web Services (SOAP, REST and others)
- External Content Types (ECT)
- External Lists
- Lab 6.1 – Connect CRF to External Data
Module 7: Form Enhancements
Now that we’ve covered most of the
important pieces to the InfoPath infrastructure, it’s time to spruce up
our forms with some common enhancements. Module 7 explores how to change
fields for display, set up a wizard-like feel for forms by using views,
garner feedback from the user and understand offline access to Form
Libraries. We’ll also cover the document information panel, digital
signatures and the InfoPath Form Web Part for use on SharePoint Pages.
We then improve our lab form with what we’ve learned about form
enhancements.
- Display Changes
- Wizard-like Displays with Views
- More User Feedback
- Offline Access (SharePoint Workspace)
- Document Information Panel Customization
- Digital Signatures
- InfoPath Form Web Part
Module 8: Enhancing Forms w/Code – Intro Only
Much of what can be done in InfoPath is
termed a “no-code solution” because so much can be accomplished without
writing any code. However, form developers can benefit from knowing what
can be done with code and what can’t, especially since there are some
copy and paste solutions to common problems out there. Module 8 covers
common reasons why doing code can be beneficial, provides an
introduction to Event Handlers and reviews the process required for
publishing forms with code. In our final labs for the course, we will
add some basic code to our lab form and publish it to SharePoint.
Disclaimer: this is not a coding class
- Languages Supported
- Concepts
- Reasons to Use Code
- Event Handlers exposed to InfoPath
- Lab 8.1 – Add Current User Details to CRF
- For code developers: From InfoPath Form to Visual Studio
- Publishing forms with Code
- Lab 8.2 – Publishing our Code-enabled CRF