Easy Setup Guide for Shopify's Hydrogen Framework

Easy Setup Guide for Shopify's Hydrogen Framework

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Getting Started with Shopify's Hydrogen Framework
3. Installing Hydrogen
4. Setting Up the Project
5. Choosing the Demo Store
6. Selecting the Language
7. Naming the Store
8. Installing Dependencies
9. Running the Project
10. Exploring the Project Structure
11. Viewing the Demo Store
12. Setting Up Your Own Store
13. Creating a Development Store
14. Adding Sample Data
15. Installing the Headless App
16. Creating the Storefront
17. Configuring the Storefront API Token
18. Running the Hydrogen Store
19. Adding Products and Collections
20. Customizing the Store
21. Redirecting the Checkout

Getting Started with Shopify's Hydrogen Framework

Shopify's Hydrogen framework allows developers to build highly optimized and customizable e-commerce stores. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting started with Hydrogen, from installation to running your own store. Let's dive in!

Introduction

Shopify's Hydrogen framework, built on Remix, offers developers a powerful toolset to create online e-commerce stores. Hydrogen brings various optimizations and features that make it the ideal choice for building a highly performant and customizable store. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, Hydrogen provides the flexibility and control you need to create a successful online business.

1. Installing Hydrogen

To get started with Hydrogen, the first step is to install the framework and the necessary tools using the npm package manager. Follow these steps:

1. Go to hydrogen.shopify.dev in your web browser.
2. Click on the "Terminal" link in the top right corner of the page.
3. Navigate to the directory where you want to create your Hydrogen project.
4. Run the npm command provided on the Hydrogen website to install the required tools.

Note: The installation process may take some time as it downloads the necessary tools from Shopify.

2. Setting Up the Project

Once the installation is complete, you can set up your Hydrogen project. Follow these steps:

1. Choose whether you want to start with a plain version or a demo store. It is recommended to start with the demo store as it provides valuable insights into best practices for building a Hydrogen app.

   • If you choose the demo store, you will have access to a pre-configured store with products and collections, allowing you to start building on top of that foundation.
   • If you choose the plain version, you will start with a clean slate and have the freedom to build everything from scratch.

2. Select your preferred language option: TypeScript or JavaScript. Choose JavaScript if you feel more comfortable working with it.

3. Enter a name for your store. This name will be used for identification and storage purposes.

4. Install the necessary dependencies using npm. Confirm the installation when prompted.

3. Running the Project

After setting up the project, it's time to run the Hydrogen store locally. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the project directory using the command line by entering cd project-name.

2. Run the command npm run dev to start the Hydrogen server.

3. Open your code editor (e.g., Visual Studio Code) and locate your project folder.

4. Now, you can explore the different directories and files generated by Hydrogen. These include cache files, the app folder where the application logic resides, the distribution folder for distribution builds, the node_modules folder for dependencies, and the public folder for public assets.

5. Visit localhost:3000 in your web browser to view the Hydrogen demo store. You can see different collections, products, and product pages, showcasing various design variations and options.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and set up your Hydrogen project. In the next sections, we will explore how to customize and connect your own store to Shopify using Hydrogen.

4. Exploring the Project Structure

As you dive deeper into your Hydrogen project, it is essential to understand the structure and purpose of each directory and file. Let's take a brief look at the key components:

• app directory: This is where the majority of your application code resides. It contains components, pages, helpers, and other resources needed to build the store.
• distribution directory: This directory contains the output of your Hydrogen build process. It includes optimized HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
• node_modules directory: This directory holds all the dependencies required for your Hydrogen project.
• public directory: Here, you can place any assets (e.g., images, fonts, CSS files) that need to be publicly accessible in your Hydrogen store.
• server.js file: This file handles server-related configurations and settings for your Hydrogen project.

These are just a few of the important files and directories in a Hydrogen project. As you explore further, you will encounter additional files and folders that contribute to the functionality of your store.

In the next sections, we will guide you through the process of setting up your own store and customizing it according to your requirements.

5. Setting Up Your Own Store

To set up your own store with Hydrogen, you need to create a development store on Shopify. Follow these steps:

1. Go to partners.shopify.com in your web browser.

2. Click on "Join Now" and create an account if you don't have one. If you already have an account, log in to your Shopify partner account.

3. Once logged in, click on "Create Development Store" to create a new store specifically for testing and development purposes.

4. Provide a name for your development store. Choose a name that represents your store or project.

5. Select the appropriate options for "Latest Build" and "Data Configuration." It is recommended to choose the latest build and include test data for your store to have sample products and collections.

6. Click on "Create Development Store" to create your store. This process may take a few moments.

Once your store is created, you will have access to the store's backend (admin section). From here, you can manage products, collections, and other settings.

In the next sections, we will explore how to add sample data, install the necessary apps, and configure the storefront API token for your Hydrogen store.

6. Adding Sample Data

To populate your store with sample data, follow these steps:

1. In your Shopify admin section, go to "Apps" and search for "simple sample data."

2. Install the "Simple Sample Data" app, which allows you to add various products, collections, and variations to your store.

3. Configure the app to add the desired type of products to your store, such as clothes, paintings, or toys.

4. Generate the data and wait for it to populate your store. This may take a while, depending on the amount of data you choose to add.

Once the data is added, you can verify the presence of new products and collections by visiting your store's catalog.

7. Installing the Headless App

To connect your Hydrogen store with Shopify, you need to install the "Headless" app and create the storefront API token. Follow these steps:

1. In your Shopify admin section, go to "Apps" and search for "headless."

2. Install the "Headless" app and add it as a sales channel to your store.

3. Configure the app to create the storefront, which will provide the necessary API token for your Hydrogen store.

4. Copy the storefront API token from the app and update your Hydrogen project's .env file with the token.

8. Running the Hydrogen Store

After configuring the storefront API token, you can run your Hydrogen store connected to Shopify. Follow these steps:

1. Run the command npm run dev in your Hydrogen project directory to start the Hydrogen server.

2. Access your store by visiting localhost:3000 in your web browser.

Now you have your own store running on Hydrogen, connected to Shopify. From here, you can start customizing your store's design and functionality according to your needs.

In the next sections, we will explore advanced customization options, including adding products and collections and redirecting the checkout process.

9. Adding Products and Collections

Adding products and collections is an essential step in setting up your online store. Follow these steps to add products and collections:

1. Access your Shopify admin section.

2. Navigate to "Products" and click on "Add product" to create a new product.

3. Enter the necessary details for your product, such as title, description, price, and images.

4. Save the product, and it will be added to your store.

Similarly, you can create collections by navigating to "Collections" and clicking on "Create collection." Define the collection details, add products to it, and save it.

By adding products and collections, you can build a comprehensive catalog for your store and showcase your offerings to customers.

10. Customizing the Store

With Hydrogen, you have complete control over the design and customization of your store. Here are some customization options you can explore:

• Modify the existing Hydrogen components to match your brand's visual identity.
• Customize the CSS and styles using the provided Tailwind configuration.
• Implement additional features and functionality by extending the Hydrogen app.

By leveraging the flexibility of Hydrogen, you can create a unique and visually appealing store that resonates with your target audience.

11. Redirecting the Checkout

When a customer proceeds to checkout in your Hydrogen store, they are redirected to the default Shopify checkout page. To redirect the checkout process to your custom domain, follow these steps:

1. Set up a domain for your Hydrogen store.

2. Configure the respective DNS records to point to your Hydrogen server.

3. In your Shopify admin section, navigate to "Settings" and then "Checkout."

4. Under "Customer area," set the custom domain for your checkout process.

By redirecting the checkout to your custom domain, you can provide a seamless brand experience to your customers throughout the entire purchasing process.

Conclusion

Shopify's Hydrogen framework provides developers with a powerful toolset to build highly optimized and customizable e-commerce stores. In this article, we covered the process of getting started with Hydrogen, from installation to setting up your own store and customizing it according to your requirements.

By leveraging the features of Hydrogen and integrating it with Shopify, you can create a stunning online store that represents your brand and delivers a seamless shopping experience to your customers.