Learn to Create a Shopify App

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Shopify App Development
3. Shopify App Development Tools
   • 3.1. Shopify APIs
   • 3.2. GraphQL Admin API
   • 3.3. REST Admin API
4. Shopify App Installation Process
5. Development Environment Setup
   • 5.1. Shopify CLI
   • 5.2. Shopify Polaris
   • 5.3. Shopify App Bridge Library
6. Building a Shopify App
   • 6.1. Creating Endpoints
   • 6.2. Using Shopify Polaris and Shopify App Bridge
   • 6.3. Using Shopify Functions and Post Purchase Extension
   • 6.4. Theme App Extensions
7. Deploying a Shopify App
   • 7.1. Shopify App Deployment Process
   • 7.2. App Extensions Deployment
8. Conclusion
9. Pros and Cons of Shopify App Development

Shopify App Development: An In-Depth Overview

Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that allows anyone to start their own online store. One of the key features of Shopify is the ability to extend its functionality through the development of custom apps. In this article, we will explore the process of Shopify app development, from the initial installation to deploying the app on the Shopify App Store.

1. Introduction

Shopify app development offers developers the opportunity to create custom applications that integrate seamlessly with the Shopify platform. By building apps, developers can extend the default features of Shopify and provide additional functionality to Shopify store owners.

2. Overview of Shopify App Development

When a user installs a Shopify app, the app gains access to the user's store via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) provided by Shopify. These APIs, including the REST Admin API and GraphQL Admin API, allow the app to perform various tasks such as managing products, collections, pages, and more.

3. Shopify App Development Tools

To develop a Shopify app, developers can utilize various tools and libraries provided by Shopify.

3.1. Shopify APIs

Shopify provides two essential APIs for app development: the GraphQL Admin API and the REST Admin API. The GraphQL Admin API allows developers to query and mutate data on a Shopify store using GraphQL queries. The REST Admin API, on the other hand, offers a traditional RESTful interface for interacting with a Shopify store.

3.2. GraphQL Admin API

The GraphQL Admin API is a powerful tool that allows developers to access and manipulate data on a Shopify store using GraphQL queries. It provides a flexible and efficient way to retrieve and modify data.

Pros:

• Allows for precise data retrieval and manipulation
• Provides a more efficient way to interact with a Shopify store

Cons:

• Some features are only available through the REST Admin API
• Requires additional knowledge of GraphQL syntax

3.3. REST Admin API

The REST Admin API is another API provided by Shopify that allows developers to interact with a Shopify store using RESTful HTTP requests. It provides a wide range of endpoints to perform various operations on a store, such as managing products, collections, and customers.

Pros:

• Provides a familiar RESTful interface for developers
• Offers a wide range of endpoints for store management

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available through the GraphQL Admin API
• Requires multiple API requests to perform certain operations

4. Shopify App Installation Process

When a user decides to install a Shopify app, they must go to the Shopify App Store, find the desired app, and click on the "Add app" button. This triggers a request to the app's server, containing the user's store URL and other validation information. Once the request is validated, an install URL is generated, and the user is redirected to it. The user can then accept or decline the app installation. Upon acceptance, an access token is generated, which allows the app to access the user's store via the Shopify APIs.

5. Development Environment Setup

To develop a Shopify app, developers need to set up their development environment. Shopify provides several tools and libraries to streamline the development process.

5.1. Shopify CLI

The Shopify CLI (Command Line Interface) is an official tool provided by Shopify that automates the creation and setup of a Shopify app. It handles OAuth authentication, session tokens, Shopify Polaris integration, mandatory webhooks, and billing setup. Developers can use the Shopify CLI to generate a complete Shopify app skeleton with a choice of programming languages such as Node.js, PHP, or Ruby.

5.2. Shopify Polaris

Shopify Polaris is a front-end component library provided by Shopify. It offers pre-built components that developers can use to build the user interface of their Shopify app. The library is primarily designed for React development, but it can also be used with traditional HTML.

5.3. Shopify App Bridge Library

The Shopify App Bridge library is another official library provided by Shopify. It simplifies the process of interacting with the Shopify Admin interface within an embedded Shopify app. It handles session token generation, cross-domain communication, and other necessary functionalities for embedded apps.

6. Building a Shopify App

Once the development environment is set up, developers can start building their Shopify app. The process involves creating endpoints, utilizing Shopify Polaris and Shopify App Bridge, and integrating various app extensions provided by Shopify.

6.1. Creating Endpoints

Endpoints are essential in a Shopify app as they define the routes through which the app interacts with the Shopify store. Developers can create endpoints to perform various operations, such as retrieving product data, creating new products, and updating customer information.

6.2. Using Shopify Polaris and Shopify App Bridge

Shopify Polaris and Shopify App Bridge provide developers with pre-built components and libraries that simplify the development of the app's user interface. Developers can utilize these tools to create a visually appealing and consistent user experience across different Shopify stores.

6.3. Using Shopify Functions and Post Purchase Extension

Shopify Functions is a feature that allows developers to run serverless code snippets on the Shopify platform. This can be useful for implementing custom logic or performing calculations during the checkout process. Post Purchase Extension, on the other hand, allows developers to show custom content to customers after they complete a purchase.

6.4. Theme App Extensions

Theme App Extensions are additional functionalities that can be added to the theme customization process on Shopify. Developers can create app blocks that users can easily add to their themes without having to modify the theme's code directly.

7. Deploying a Shopify App

Before an app can be made available to Shopify store owners, it needs to go through the deployment process. The Shopify CLI provides commands to deploy the app to the Shopify App Store and manage its settings. Additionally, app extensions can be deployed to Shopify to make them available to store owners during the theme customization process.

7.1. Shopify App Deployment Process

The Shopify CLI streamlines the app deployment process by handling the necessary steps, such as packaging the app, validating the code, and submitting it to the App Store. It also offers commands to manage the app's listing in the App Store, including setting up pricing, generating screenshots, and providing app documentation.

7.2. App Extensions Deployment

Similarly, app extensions created using Shopify CLI or manually can be deployed to Shopify. The extensions need to go through a validation process to ensure they meet Shopify's guidelines. Once approved, they become available for store owners to use and enhance their Shopify stores.

8. Conclusion

Shopify app development offers developers the opportunity to create custom applications that extend the functionality of the Shopify platform. With the help of various tools and libraries provided by Shopify, developers can streamline the development process and create robust and scalable apps. While the competition in the Shopify App Store is increasing, building a successful app can still be rewarding for developers willing to invest their time and effort.

9. Pros and Cons of Shopify App Development

Pros:

• Extends the functionality of Shopify stores
• Provides access to a large user base of Shopify store owners
• Offers official tools and libraries to streamline the development process

Cons:

• Increasing competition in the Shopify App Store
• Some advanced features are only available in specific APIs
• Requires continuous maintenance and updates to keep up with Shopify platform changes

Highlights

• Shopify app development allows developers to create custom applications that extend the functionality of Shopify stores.
• Developers can utilize Shopify APIs, including the GraphQL Admin API and REST Admin API, to interact with Shopify stores.
• The Shopify CLI, Shopify Polaris, and Shopify App Bridge provide tools and libraries to streamline the development process.
• Building a Shopify app involves creating endpoints, integrating Shopify Polaris and Shopify App Bridge, and utilizing app extensions.
• Shopify CLI simplifies the app deployment process, while app extensions enhance the customization capabilities of Shopify themes.

FAQ

Q: Can I develop a Shopify app using languages other than Node.js, PHP, or Ruby?
A: Yes, you can develop a Shopify app using other programming languages, but you will need to handle OAuth and other functionalities manually.

Q: How many apps are currently available on the Shopify App Store?
A: There are currently over 10,000 live apps on the Shopify App Store.

Q: Is it difficult to get started with Shopify app development?
A: Getting started with Shopify app development requires learning various technologies and APIs, but with the right resources and dedication, it can be an achievable goal.

Q: Can I use Shopify Polaris and Shopify App Bridge in combination with other front-end frameworks?
A: Shopify Polaris and Shopify App Bridge are primarily designed for React development, but you can integrate them with other front-end frameworks with some additional configuration.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the functionality I can add to a Shopify store through app extensions?
A: There are certain limitations and guidelines provided by Shopify for app extensions to ensure a smooth and secure user experience.