SharePoint list GUIDs (Globally Unique Identifiers) are essential for developers and administrators who need to interact with SharePoint lists programmatically. While the list title can sometimes be used as an alternative, understanding how to retrieve the GUID is crucial for robust and reliable solutions. This article explores various methods to obtain the SharePoint list GUID, covering both common techniques and addressing potential challenges.
One common scenario where you might need the list GUID is when constructing CAML (Collaborative Application Markup Language) queries. CAML queries are used to retrieve data from SharePoint lists, and while you can query using the list title, using the GUID is often preferred for its immutability.
Let’s delve into the methods for getting the SharePoint List GUID.
Methods to Retrieve SharePoint List GUID
Several methods can be used to retrieve the GUID of a SharePoint list. Here are some of the most common approaches:
1. Using SharePoint Designer:
SharePoint Designer is a powerful tool that allows you to customize SharePoint sites. It can also be used to retrieve the list GUID.
- Open your SharePoint site in SharePoint Designer.
- Navigate to the “Lists and Libraries” section.
- Select the list for which you want to retrieve the GUID.
- In the summary view, you will find the “Information” section. The GUID is displayed as the “ID.”
2. Using PowerShell:
PowerShell is a scripting language that can be used to automate tasks in SharePoint. The following PowerShell script can be used to retrieve the GUID of a list:
$web = Get-SPWeb "Your SharePoint Site URL"
$list = $web.Lists["Your List Title"]
$list.ID
$web.Dispose()Replace “Your SharePoint Site URL” with the URL of your SharePoint site and “Your List Title” with the title of the list. This script retrieves the list object and then outputs the ID property, which is the GUID.
3. Using the SharePoint REST API:
The SharePoint REST API allows you to interact with SharePoint data using HTTP requests. The following REST API endpoint can be used to retrieve the GUID of a list:
_api/web/lists/getByTitle('Your List Title')/Id
Replace “Your List Title” with the title of the list. This endpoint returns the GUID of the list in JSON format.
4. From the List URL:
Sometimes, the list GUID can be extracted directly from the URL of the list settings page. Navigate to the list, then to List Settings. The URL will contain something similar to List=%7Bxxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx%7D where the xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx is the GUID of the list.
5. Using Browser Developer Tools:
Modern browsers have developer tools that allow you to inspect the HTML and network traffic of a web page. You can use these tools to find the list GUID.
- Navigate to the SharePoint list page.
- Open the browser’s developer tools (usually by pressing F12).
- Use the “Inspect” or “Elements” tab to examine the HTML source code.
- Search for the list GUID within the HTML. It might be used in a JavaScript variable or as a parameter in a URL.
Alternatives to Using the List GUID
While the list GUID is generally recommended, there are situations where using the list title might be sufficient. For instance, in CAML queries, you can use the <Eq><FieldRef Name='Title'/><Value Type='Text'>Your List Title</Value></Eq> syntax to filter by the list title.
However, keep in mind that the list title can be changed by users, which can break your code. Using the GUID provides more stability.
Considerations for Choosing a Method
The best method for retrieving the list GUID depends on your specific needs and environment.
- For one-time retrieval, SharePoint Designer or the list URL method might be the easiest.
- For automated tasks, PowerShell or the REST API are more suitable.
- If you are developing a web part or application, the REST API is the preferred option.
Handling Column Names in CAML Queries
The original article mentions the challenge of using display names for columns in CAML queries. CAML requires the internal name of the column, not the display name. Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct way to use the display name in a CAML query. You’ll need to resolve the display name to the internal name programmatically.
You can achieve this by using the SharePoint API to retrieve the field object based on its display name and then access the InternalName property. For example, using PowerShell:
$web = Get-SPWeb "Your SharePoint Site URL"
$list = $web.Lists["Your List Title"]
$field = $list.Fields["Your Column Display Name"]
$internalName = $field.InternalName
$web.Dispose()Conclusion
Obtaining the SharePoint list GUID is a fundamental task for SharePoint developers and administrators. This article has outlined several methods to retrieve the GUID, from using SharePoint Designer to scripting with PowerShell and leveraging the REST API. While alternatives like using the list title exist, the GUID remains the most reliable and robust option for programmatic interactions with SharePoint lists. Understanding these techniques and choosing the appropriate method will enable you to build more reliable and efficient SharePoint solutions. Remember to prioritize using the internal name for columns when constructing CAML queries and resolve display names programmatically when necessary.
