Create column using web services API

Question

In Sharepoint 2010, is there a way to create a new column for a Document Library using the web services API?

Answer 1

Yes, you can use the UpdateList method of the Lists.asmx web service. See http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/lists.lists.updatelist(v=office.12).aspx for more details (this is from 2007, but still works in 2010).

You will basically use XML to add/remove columns using the Field schema. There is a code example on that page.

Answer 2

Is using the web service a requirement? Otherwise, you can use the SharePoint CSOM to add a field to a list:

example in javascript:

function addFieldToList() { var clientContext = new SP.ClientContext(siteUrl); var oList = clientContext.get_web().get_lists().getByTitle('Announcements'); this.oField = oList.get_fields().addFieldAsXml('<Field DisplayName=\'MyField\' Type=\'Number\' />', true, SP.AddFieldOptions.defaultValue); var fieldNumber = clientContext.castTo(oField,SP.FieldNumber); fieldNumber.update(); clientContext.load(oField); clientContext.executeQueryAsync(Function.createDelegate(this, this.onQuerySucceeded), Function.createDelegate(this, this.onQueryFailed)); 

}

Refer to this MSDN page for more info about the javascript CSOM or to this page for the .NET version.