Sharepoint web parts remote environment

Question

I'm trying to make custom web parts for my SharePoint site through Visual Studio 2015, but I keep getting the error below.

Is there a way for me to develop custom web parts without having SharePoint Server 2013 installed? I may not be able to get SharePoint server since my web site is on the SharePoint server run by another department. I do have full control to customize the SharePoint site, but I would like to be able to make custom web parts for full functionality. Also, I don't know if my current computer specifications can handle SharePoint Server 2013.

If I do require SharePoint Server 2013, would I still be able to develop custom web parts if my website is on a SharePoint server that is not on the same computer I'm developing the web parts?

Answer 1

In order to develop deployable web parts, you need a local SharePoint environment to develop against, ideally the same version (Foundation or Server) at the same patch level. This will allow you to develop and test your web part, then give a deployable package to the server admins to install into the environment, at which point you can activate it on your site.

If you don't want to do those types of web parts, you can create a variety of functionality with SharePoint Designer and content/script editor web parts.

Answer 2

In order to develop webparts and other components of SharePoint with SSOM (Server Side Object Model) you have to do what Eric suggested.

On the other hand you can develop with JSOM using the Apps for SharePoint (SharePoint Add-in) project template and creating an Add in part, without installing SharePoint on your computer.

Look at this: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/office/fp179921.aspx