Using CSOM to Create Fast and Flexible InfoPath Solutions in SharePoint 2013

In many medium to large enterprises, SharePoint 2013 and InfoPath forms continue to play an important role in managing documents, processes, and collaborative workflows. 

Organizations often need smarter, more dynamic forms that can interact directly with SharePoint data. Relying on heavy server-side code is not always practical, which is why the SharePoint 2013 Client Object Model becomes a valuable choice. 

It gives teams a way to connect InfoPath forms with SharePoint lists and libraries while keeping the deployment approach simple and manageable.

What is the SharePoint 2013 Client Object Model?

The SharePoint 2013 Client Object Model is a set of client-side libraries used in applications built with platforms like .NET, JavaScript, and Silverlight. These libraries make it possible to interact with SharePoint objects such as sites, lists, libraries, and list items without running custom code directly on the server. 

Instead, the client application sends a batch of operations to SharePoint through web services, and SharePoint processes the request and returns the results. This pattern is ideal for forms built with InfoPath managed code, browser-based applications, and tools that need safe and scalable access to SharePoint data.

Developers who work on SharePoint 2013 development projects use CSOM to handle read and write operations, manage permissions, and update metadata. Since the processing happens outside the farm, the risk of server-side issues is reduced.

Setting Up CSOM in InfoPath Managed Code

When building forms that rely on CSOM, the logic is written inside Visual Studio Tools for Applications. This setup allows the form to execute custom logic and supports many common scenarios found in InfoPath SharePoint integration.

Step 1: Get the required client DLLs

Retrieve the necessary assemblies from your SharePoint server:

• Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.dll
• Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.Runtime.dll
• Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.Runtime.dll.deploy

Step 2: Add the correct references in VSTA

In your project, reference the following libraries:

• System.Core
• Microsoft.SharePoint.Client
• Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.Runtime

Include the appropriate namespace:

using Microsoft.SharePoint.Client;

Step 3: Resolve partial trust issues

InfoPath forms run in partial trust. To avoid errors, update your AssemblyInfo.cs file:

using System.Security; [assembly: AllowPartiallyTrustedCallers]

This adjustment ensures the form can execute CSOM operations without trust-related failures.

Step 4: Work with the ClientContext object

The ClientContext object allows you to:

• Connect to a SharePoint site.
• Load lists and libraries.
• Retrieve or update items.

Your operations run only when you call ExecuteQuery or ExecuteQueryAsync. This improves performance by batching multiple actions together, which is helpful in many SharePoint 2013 development environments.

Querying SharePoint Data from InfoPath Forms

Once CSOM is in place, you can query SharePoint data using different approaches.

Option 1: CAML queries

CAML is an XML-based query language used by SharePoint. It gives you complete control over filtering and sorting, which is ideal for targeted data retrieval inside forms built with InfoPath managed code.

Option 2: LINQ queries with SPMetal

LINQ is familiar to many developers and offers a more readable syntax. To use LINQ with CSOM, you need to generate a data context with SPMetal. This context acts as a bridge that converts LINQ statements into CAML behind the scenes.

Choosing the right approach depends on performance needs, developer preference, and the complexity of the form. CAML provides more precision, while LINQ offers readability.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Working with the SharePoint 2013 Client Object Model in InfoPath managed code often brings a few recurring challenges. Once you understand what causes these issues and how to handle them, development and debugging become much easier. Below are the most common problem areas and practical ways to resolve them.

Permission-related issues

CSOM runs under the current user account. If the user does not have the right permissions, errors may appear when the form tries to read or submit data. Check list permissions, broken inheritance, and form-level access. A quick test with an admin account can reveal where the issue lies.

Performance concerns from loading too much data

Large lists or unnecessary fields slow down forms. To avoid this:

• Filter results with CAML or LINQ
• Load selective fields with ClientContext.Load
• Use batching to minimize server calls.

These steps improve performance and support reliable SharePoint 2013 development work.

Service or network interruptions

CSOM depends heavily on SharePoint services, particularly Client.svc. If this service, or any related workflow service, becomes unavailable or slow, your forms may freeze or fail during operations. Monitoring connectivity and service health is a common task for teams that rely on SharePoint Support Services within the organization. Keep an eye on network performance as well, because even minor latency spikes can affect the way InfoPath interacts with SharePoint through CSOM.

Debugging challenges

Debugging InfoPath code requires careful attention since the environment is more limited compared to standard development tools. The best approach is to use Visual Studio with breakpoints and detailed logging to trace behavior step by step. For complex logic, consider writing and testing individual components outside InfoPath first, then integrating them into the form. This approach reduces unexpected behavior and speeds up troubleshooting.

Best Practices for Using InfoPath with CSOM

To ensure your InfoPath forms work reliably and deliver a smooth experience for users, it is important to follow a set of best practices when working with CSOM. These practices help improve performance, reduce errors, strengthen security, and maintain consistent behavior across different environments. 

Batch And Load Data Efficiently

Group similar CSOM calls together and load only the needed properties. This keeps the form fast and reduces unnecessary network usage.

Use Asynchronous Execution For A Better User Experience

ExecuteQueryAsync prevents the form from freezing and keeps the interface responsive while data is retrieved.

Manage Security And Permissions Carefully

Apply the least privilege model and validate user input before writing to SharePoint.

Maintain Compatibility Across Environments

Test the form in browsers and InfoPath filler. Clear caches when needed and confirm that SharePoint sites are added to trusted locations. These steps support smooth InfoPath SharePoint integration in day-to-day operations.

Following these practices ensures your forms built with the SharePoint 2013 Client Object Model remain stable and efficient.

Conclusion

Using the SharePoint 2013 Client Object Model with InfoPath managed code gives teams a powerful way to create dynamic and responsive forms without heavy server-side deployments. This approach works well for organizations that rely on ongoing SharePoint 2013 development and need flexible form automation. It also supports broader digital transformation goals and aligns with modern SharePoint development services delivered by internal or external teams.

By optimizing data queries, managing permissions, and using asynchronous execution, you can build forms that perform consistently across browsers and InfoPath clients. This approach improves user experience, reduces maintenance effort, and helps organizations maintain long-term stability in their SharePoint environments.