Microsoft has announced the beta release of Fluid Framework 2.0, an open-source platform for building powerful collaborative experiences. Fluid Framework 2.0 offers a simple and intuitive programming model that enables developers to synchronize shared state between clients in real-time. It also supports a new relay service called SharePoint Embedded, which allows end users to collaborate on content stored within their organization’s Microsoft 365 tenant.
Fluid Framework is a platform that provides developers with easy-to-use data structures that are automatically kept in sync by the Fluid Framework. Developers can use Fluid Framework to add collaboration to new or existing apps, without having to write any custom server code or complex merge logic. Fluid Framework handles the complexity of synching and merging changes from multiple clients, while delivering best-in-class performance, correctness, and low service costs.
Fluid Framework was first launched in 2019 and has since been integrated into several first-party and third-party applications, such as Microsoft Loop, Microsoft Whiteboard, and Hexagon Nexus. Fluid Framework enables real-time collaboration by allowing users to co-author, comment, and edit content simultaneously across different devices and platforms.
What’s new in Fluid Framework 2.0 Beta?
Fluid Framework 2.0 Beta introduces several new features and improvements that make it even easier and faster for developers to build collaborative apps. Some of the highlights are:
- SharedTree Distributed Data Structure (DDS): This is a new data structure that provides an intuitive programming interface for working with data and supports a broad range of data types, such as objects, arrays, and maps. SharedTree is designed to use the same patterns developers would use when working with local data structures, such as an object model. The difference is that the data can be changed remotely and is kept in sync by the Fluid Framework. SharedTree also includes sophisticated merge semantics for working with arrays and supports features like atomic move operations that make working with collaborative data much simpler.
- SharePoint Embedded: This is a new relay service that allows developers to keep collaborative data within a Microsoft 365 tenant. Enterprise developers can build collaborative line of business apps while benefiting from all the features of Microsoft 365 storage, such as security, compliance, and scalability. SharePoint Embedded also enables users to access and edit collaborative content from any device and application that supports Microsoft 365, such as Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive.
- Browser-based developer tooling: Fluid Framework 2.0 Beta also offers a new browser-based developer experience that makes it easy to create and test collaborative apps. Developers can use the Fluid Playground to quickly prototype and experiment with different data structures and scenarios. They can also use the Fluid Inspector to debug and inspect the state of their collaborative apps in real-time.
How to get started with Fluid Framework 2.0 Beta?
Fluid Framework 2.0 Beta is available now for developers to try out and provide feedback. Developers can get started by visiting the Fluid Framework website, where they can find documentation, tutorials, samples, and community resources. Developers can also join the Fluid Framework GitHub repository, where they can contribute to the open-source project and participate in discussions.
Fluid Framework 2.0 Beta is expected to be generally available in summer 2024, along with more features and enhancements. Microsoft hopes that Fluid Framework 2.0 Beta will inspire more developers to leverage the power of real-time collaboration and create innovative and engaging experiences for their users.
