Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Web Application in SharePoint 2013

For organizations that wish to use SharePoint for collaboration and document management, creating a web application in SharePoint 2013 is a critical process. This article gives a step-by-step explanation of how to create a web application in SharePoint 2013 thus a beginner can follow the instructions without much difficulty. SharePoint 2013 has an enterprise-grade structure for the development and maintenance of web applications which is an aspect that many organizations have embraced. In this achievement, these steps will help you to set up a web application that fits your organization’s requirements. 

What is a Web Application in SharePoint?

Web application in SharePoint is one of the primary elements of SharePoint that represents a dedicated site on Internet Information Services (IIS). It functions as a box that hosts site collections and facilitates content management, authentication, and interaction among users. Every web application is considered self-contained, having a distinct URL, database, and configuration.

Web applications have a lot of scope for configuration. An administrator can prescribe the type of authentication to be used, whether NTLM Kerberos or Claims-based, request SSL secure connections, and use search or user profile service applications. Offering alternative addresses, ports, and compartmentalized data storage principles can also create an architectural design.

In the SharePoint structure, ‘Web applications’ are important because they help achieve scalability and separate divisions, making it possible to set up distinct environments for different groups or sections, for instance, different portals like HR, collaboration areas, or client websites. This design also guarantees that any web application will be able to serve a business’s specific needs without compromising on security and efficiency.

Prerequisites for Creating a Web Application

A few requirements before creating a web application Apart from the creation process, the following prerequisites must be met before one starts the application creation process.

1. Administrative Rights: In SharePoint, 2013, you will be required to hold Farm Administrator rights.

2. SQL Server Configuration: Confirm that the SharePoint farm setup in use has a working instance of SQL server in place.

3. Installed and Configured SharePoint 2013: There should be an already installed and fully configured SharePoint version 2013.

Provided that all these prerequisites are in place, you can proceed to get started.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Web Application in SharePoint 2013

Launch SharePoint Central Administration

• Access the SharePoint server using your admin login credentials.
• To open Central Administration, you can either search for it in the Start Menu or use a desktop shortcut if available.

Navigate to the Web Applications Section

• On the Central Administration home page, find the Application Management part.
• Then, in this part, click on Manage web applications.

Start the Web Application Creation Process

• In the Manage Web Applications interface, click on the New button in the ribbon.
• This action opens a form that allows you to set up the settings for the web application.

Configure IIS Website Settings

The settings of the Internet Information Services (IIS) website define the operation of the web application. Complete the below fields:

1. Port: Choose a port number (e.g., 80 for HTTP or a custom port for multiple web applications).

2. Host Header: Specify a host header if required, especially for multiple web applications on the same server.

3. Path: Define the physical location where the web application files will reside on the server.

Enable or Disable Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

• Should you choose to protect the Web Application with an HTTPS protocol, select ‘Yes’ selection under the SSL option.
• It is important to note that an SSL Certificate should be in place using the IIS before proceeding to the next task.

Choose Authentication Provider

Two authentication mechanisms are supported by SharePoint 2013:

• NTLM (default): Easier to set up and more common.
• Kerberos: Provides better security but needs extra configuration in Active Directory.

Choose the authentication type that properly fits the needs of your organization.

Define the Public URL

• Indicate the structure step by step of the public web address (e.g. http://servername:port or https://hostname).
• Adhere to the organization’s naming principles for the web address.

Set Up the Application Pool

An application pool is an essential element that determines the user account through which the web application will be executed. Set it up as follows:

• Application Pool Name: Insert self-explaining name such as SharePointWebApp1.
• Application Pool Account: Select a managed account or type in a username and password for a particular service account instead.

Configure Database Settings

• Indicate the name of the Database Server where the configuration database is to be created.
• Type the required Database Name (e.g., SharePoint_Content_DB1).
• Choose the database connection authentication method (using Windows authentication is preferred).

Associate Service Applications

Select the service applications you want this web application to use, such as:

• Managed Metadata Service
• Search Service
• User Profile Service

These service applications provide additional functionality to your web application.

Review and Confirm Settings

• Verify again each and every configuration settings to make sure they are in accordance with your needs.
• Press the OK button to start creating the web application.

Post-Creation Steps

After successfully creating the web application, follow these steps to complete the setup:

Verify Web Application Creation

• Navigate back to the section of Central Administration that deals with Manage Web Applications.
• Verify that the newly created web application is listed together with the appropriate list of settings and URLs.

Create a Site Collection

• To make the web application usable, create a site collection as follows:
• Choose the newly added web application from the provided list.
• In the ribbon, select the option ‘Create Site Collection’.
• Provide a name and address for the site collection.
• Select a site template (e.g. Team Site, Document Center).
• Designate a primary and secondary Site Collection Administrator.
• Finally, click on the ‘OK’ button to create the site collection.

Test the Web Application

• Open a web browser and go to the URL of the desired web application.
• Make sure that the site collection is loaded successfully along with accessing it with its administrator account.

Configure IIS (Optional)

If required, perform additional tasks with IIS such as:

• Adding new bindings or host headers.
• Configuring SSL certificates.
• Modifying authentication settings.

Assign Permissions

• Assign the necessary access rights to users or user groups enabling them to use the web application.
• This is possible through the Site Settings option available in the site collection.

Best Practices for Managing SharePoint Web Applications

In order to help maintain the proper functioning of your SharePoint web application, it is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Backups: Schedule regular backups of the content databases to prevent data loss.

2. Performance Monitoring: Use SharePoint Health Analyzer to identify and eliminate performance issues.

3. Updates: Periodically install SharePoint upgrades and fixes for protection and consistency purposes.

4. Change Records: Record every configuration change that you make in case you need to troubleshoot.

5. Database Regulation: Every so often, check how the database settings are configured for best performance.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Web Application Not Accessible:

• Confirm the operational status of the IIS website.
• Investigate the DNS settings and make certain that the URL resolves appropriately.

Authentication Errors:

• Verify the configuration of the web application and whether the authentication provider settings are correctly set.
• Confirm that the application pool identity has the required permissions.

Database Connectivity Issues:

• Assess the availability and permission levels of the SQL Server for the account under which SharePoint is running.
• Ensure that the precise database name is indicated.

Conclusion

Though creating a web application in SharePoint 2013 is not complex and can be done by anyone with even little knowledge of the application, it is a fundamental step that every person concerned with the organization running needs to understand clearly. This is because any SharePoint web applications are the core of any business’s collaborative and content management systems, thus their correct configuration is paramount to the success of the whole business operation. So this detailed step-by-step guide to creating a web application in SharePoint 2013 will assure you that you are on the right path towards building a sustainable and enterprise-grade solution for your organization. Of course, with proper configuration, user acceptance testing, and regular upgrades, a SharePoint web application can serve not only its original purpose but also be a highly efficient, secure, and client-friendly product.

This guide is written to help you whether you are an advanced SharePoint administrator or a complete newbie in the world of SharePoint but still wish to know about creating and managing web applications. It is very good to hear that SharePoint 2013 is highly flexible, enabling one to build systems that will grow or expand over the years with the organization. Whether you wish to provide separate ‘islands’ of work for various business units, implement high-end security measures, or want to provision additional facilities due to higher demand, the infrastructure of SharePoint accommodates all these assumptions. So once you learn how to manage web applications, the need to increase your investment as far as productivity and collaborative content management activities are concerned will arise which makes SharePoint a key component in the digital strategy of any organization.