How can data about a Sites content in SharePoint be retrieved via Javascript?

Question

I would like to retrieve data from SharePoint regarding the contents of a certain directory via JavaScript. For example: let's say I have a directory which points to a List of documents in my Department's Site. Is there a way to retrieve data about this List of documents? An example of the data I might be looking for includes the number of documents in the List.

To summarize: I am looking for a method to request data about how many documents exist in a certain directory in SharePoint using JavaScript.

Thank you!

Answer 1

It depends on the Sharepoint Version. If you happen to have access to Sharepoint 2013 or later you should take a look at the JSON Rest Api.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/office/fp142380(v=office.15).aspx

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/office/jj164022(v=office.15).aspx

Answer 2

You can use following options (and not only these) regarding to your possibilities and knowledge:

• SharePoint JavaScript object model (JavaScript CSOM)
• JavaScript REST calls
• SPServices library
• Your own jQuery calls of old fashion web service (ASMX) - sample