A SharePoint list is an essential component of Microsoft SharePoint, a web-based collaborative platform and content management system designed for creating, organizing, and sharing information within an organization. In SharePoint, a list refers to a structured collection of data, usually presented in tabular format, that allows users to store and manage information related to a specific topic or business process.
A SharePoint list can be thought of as a virtual database table with a predefined set of fields or columns, each representing a specific data type, such as text, number, date, or choice. These fields define the structure and characteristics of the information stored within the list. Users can add, edit, and delete items within the list and filter, sort, and search for specific data easily.
SharePoint lists provide numerous benefits for organizations, including efficient data management, collaboration, and workflow automation. They enable users to easily track and update various types of information, such as tasks, contacts, announcements, events, or inventory. Lists also support data validation, customization, and integration with other SharePoint components like libraries, views, and workflows.
Furthermore, SharePoint lists can be customized to include additional features like calculated fields, lookup fields, or custom views, allowing users to tailor the list's functionality to their specific business needs. Lists can be shared with selected users or groups, enabling collaborative work and ensuring data consistency and integrity across the organization. Overall, SharePoint lists serve as a fundamental tool for organizing and managing data effectively within the SharePoint environment.
The term "SharePoint" itself originates from Microsoft, the company that created the SharePoint platform. "SharePoint" is a combination of two words: "share" and "point". "Share" refers to the act of collaborating and distributing information, while "point" suggests a location or a place.
On the other hand, the word "list" has a different etymology. It comes from Old English "liste" meaning "border, edge, hem, selvage". Over time, "list" evolved to refer to a strip or narrow piece of paper used for writing or recording information, which eventually led to its current meaning of an organized series of items.
Therefore, the term "SharePoint list" is the combination of the platform's name "SharePoint" and the concept of an organized series of items or information known as a "list".