deploy webpart with feature

Question

How do you deploy a webpart within a feature?

i have my webpart as MyWebPart.cs file.

ive got got a feature which is used for something else. im just wondering if i can deploy this webpart along with the feature.

Answer 1

The easiest way I've found is to use a tool such as WSPBuilder. This integrates with Visual Studio and allows you to create a new web part with feature.

Try this out and incorporate the existing code and feature you've already written. I guarantee it will save you a lot of time compared to doing everything manually.

VSeWSS may also do the job but I've never found it as easy to use.

Answer 2

So I guess you need help with deploying a webpart through a feature. Here´s how to do that.

In your elements.xml file (in the feature) add a module, like:

<Elements  xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/"&gt;  
  <Module Name="WebParts" List="113" Url="_catalogs/wp" Path="DWP">
    <File Url="MyWebpart.webpart" Type="GhostableInLibrary">
      <Property Name="Group" Value="MyWebPartGroup"></Property>
    </File>
  </Module>
</Elements>

The Path (DWP) is a folder in the feature where the actual .webpart file is stored and it can look like this:

<webParts>
  <webPart xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WebPart/v3"&gt;
    <metaData>
      <type name="Full class name, Full 4-part assembly name" />
      <importErrorMessage>Import error message</importErrorMessage>
    </metaData>
    <data>
      <properties>
        <property name="Title" type="string">My webpart</property>
        <property name="Description" type="string">Description of WP</property>
      </properties>
    </data>
  </webPart>
</webParts>

Using wsp builder to package this into a wsp makes things with safecontrols and DLL deployment etc so much easier so use that...