Build and Test with Shopify Development Stores

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Purpose of Development Stores
   • Building a Shopify Store for a Client
   • Testing an App or Theme in Development
3. Creating a Development Store
   • Logging into the Partner Dashboard
   • Choosing the Development Store Type
   • Creating a Store for a Client
   • Creating a Store to Test and Build
4. Configuring the Development Store
   • Selecting Store Location and Type
   • Setting the Store Name and URL
   • Choosing the Build Type and Beta Features
   • Starting with Empty Store or Test Data
5. Managing Development Stores
   • Accessing the Partner Dashboard
   • Viewing and Editing Store Details
   • Transferring Ownership to Clients
6. Conclusion

How to Create a Development Store on Shopify

Creating a development store on Shopify allows partners to either build a store for a client or test an app or theme still in development. This article will guide you through the process of creating a development store and provide insights into the different types of development stores available.

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, having a platform to develop and test ideas before launching a full-fledged online store is crucial. Shopify offers partners the ability to create development stores to cater to different requirements and purposes. Whether you are a Shopify Partner building a store for a client or a developer testing new features, this article will walk you through the steps of setting up a development store and effectively utilizing its features.

Purpose of Development Stores

Before diving into the creation process, let's understand the two main purposes of development stores on Shopify.

1. Building a Shopify Store for a Client

One common use case for development stores is building a Shopify store on behalf of a client. With a development store, partners can create and customize the store, add products, and set up payment and shipping methods. Once the store is ready, ownership can be transferred to the client, and partners can earn commissions. This allows for efficient collaboration and ensures clients receive a fully-built, branded store tailored to their needs.

2. Testing an App or Theme in Development

Another use case for development stores is testing apps or themes that are still in development. With a development store, you can test new app features, themes, or custom storefronts without affecting existing customer-facing stores. This provides a controlled environment for developers to experiment and refine their creations before making them available to the public.

Creating a Development Store

Now that we understand the purposes of development stores, let's walk through the process of creating one on Shopify.

Logging into the Partner Dashboard

To begin, log into your Shopify Partner Dashboard using your partner account credentials. Once logged in, navigate to the "Stores" section within the menu. If this is your first store, you will see an option to create a development store. For subsequent stores, click on "Add Store" and then "Create a development store".

Choosing the Development Store Type

Before creating a development store, it's important to determine the type that aligns with your specific goals and requirements. Shopify offers two types of development stores:

1. Creation of a Store for a Client
2. Creation of a Store to Test and Build

Each type has its own set of features and limitations, so carefully assess which type suits your needs before proceeding.

Creating a Store for a Client

If your intention is to build a store on behalf of a client, select the option to create a store for a client. Enter a suitable name for the store, keeping in mind that the auto-generated myshopify URL cannot be changed later. Additionally, specify the store location and whether the merchant will operate a physical retail store. Click on "Create a Development Store" to proceed.

Creating a Store to Test and Build

For testing apps, themes, or new Shopify features, select the option to create a store to test and build. Enter a descriptive name for the store, as the myshopify URL associated with the store cannot be modified once created. Choose the appropriate build type: "Latest Build" or "Developer Preview". Note that Developer Preview builds are non-transferable. Additionally, determine whether you want to start with an empty store or with pre-generated test data provided by Shopify. Click "Create a Development Store" to continue.

Configuring the Development Store

After creating the development store, it's crucial to configure it according to your requirements. This section explains the various configuration options available.

Selecting Store Location and Type

When setting up a development store, specify the location where the business is based and choose whether the merchant will operate a brick-and-mortar store alongside the online presence. These details are necessary for accurate tax calculations and shipping settings.

Setting the Store Name and URL

Enter a suitable name for the store, which will be displayed to customers during their shopping experience. Keep in mind that the myshopify URL associated with the store is auto-generated and cannot be modified once created. In the future, if desired, you can purchase a custom domain to enhance the brand's online presence.

Choosing the Build Type and Beta Features

Depending on the type of development store you selected, choose either the latest build or a developer preview build. Developer preview builds offer access to beta features, allowing you to test upcoming updates and provide valuable feedback to Shopify. If you select a developer preview build, choose the specific beta feature you wish to enable from the provided dropdown menu.

Starting with Empty Store or Test Data

Make a decision on whether you want to begin with an empty store, allowing you to customize every aspect from scratch, or if you prefer a store pre-populated with test data generated by Shopify. Test data includes common commerce primitives and configurations, enabling you to test your app, theme, or custom storefront with realistic simulated data.

Managing Development Stores

Once created, your development stores will be listed under the "Stores" tab within your Shopify Partner Dashboard. From here, you can access and manage each store as needed. You have the flexibility to view and edit store details, install or remove apps and themes, and make changes to the store's configuration. Note that development stores can be transferred to clients once they are satisfied with the final product. The transfer of ownership ensures that clients have full control and ownership of the store.

Conclusion

Development stores on Shopify provide the necessary tools and environment for partners, developers, and agencies to build and test Shopify stores efficiently. Whether you are creating a store for a client or testing new features, following the steps outlined in this article will help you successfully set up and configure a development store tailored to your specific requirements. Utilize the features and flexibility offered by development stores to create stunning e-commerce experiences for your clients and to refine your own creations before taking them live.

Highlights

• Shopify offers development stores for partners and developers to build stores for clients or test apps and themes in a controlled environment.
• Two main types of development stores: for building a store on behalf of a client or for testing and building without transferring ownership.
• Partners can create a development store through the Shopify Partner Dashboard.
• Choose the appropriate type of development store based on the intended purpose and specific requirements.
• Development stores can be configured with store location, name, URL, build type, beta features, and starting with an empty store or test data.
• Development stores can be managed and edited through the Shopify Partner Dashboard.
• Once the development store is ready, ownership can be transferred to clients.
• Development stores provide a platform for partners and developers to build fully customized stores and test new features before launching.

FAQ

Q: Can I transfer ownership of a development store to a client? A: Yes, once a development store is complete, ownership can be transferred to the client.

Q: Can I test new features and beta releases on a development store? A: Yes, Shopify's development stores allow you to test new features and beta releases, helping you provide valuable feedback to Shopify.

Q: Can I change the URL of a development store? A: The myshopify URL associated with a development store cannot be changed once created. However, you can purchase a custom domain to enhance the store's online presence.

Q: Is it possible to start a development store with pre-generated test data? A: Yes, you can choose to start a development store with pre-generated test data provided by Shopify, allowing you to test your app, theme, or custom storefront with realistic simulated data.

Q: Are there any limitations or restrictions on development stores? A: Development stores may have certain limitations, depending on the type chosen. Some features and configurations within development stores are designed for testing purposes only and may not support transferring the store to a client.