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How to create a Shopify App - An overview

Introduction

Are you looking to delve into Shopify app development? You’ve come to the right place! My name is Robbie, and I launched my first Shopify app back in 2019. Since then, I have successfully launched five apps. In this article, I'll provide you with an overview of how app development works on the Shopify platform, along with the tools and APIs you'll need.

Understanding the Basics of Shopify App Installation

When a user finds your app on the Shopify app store, they click the "Add app" button. This action sends a request to your server, which contains their store URL and other validation details. In response, your server generates an install URL and redirects the user to it, where they can accept or decline the installation. If they accept, you can generate an access token that allows you to access several APIs.

Shopify APIs

Once the access token is generated, you can access the following APIs:

  • REST Admin API
  • GraphQL Admin API

These APIs allow you to perform various tasks like creating, editing, and deleting products, managing collections, pages, and inventory. However, it’s worth noting that with the introduction of the GraphQL API, some features have been removed from the REST API. Therefore, you'll often need to use both APIs to manage app functionality effectively.

Tools for Building a Shopify App

Shopify offers several official tools to assist with your app development:

  1. OAuth Handling: Most of the OAuth setup is managed automatically by Shopify.
  2. Session Tokens: Embedded apps must utilize session tokens instead of cookies. This can be managed via the Shopify App Bridge library.
  3. Shopify Polaris: This is a front-end component library primarily for React, allowing you to create a user interface that matches Shopify's aesthetic.

Utilizing the Shopify CLI

The Shopify CLI is an invaluable tool that simplifies app creation. It generates an entire Shopify app scaffold, handling OAuth, session tokens, Shopify Polaris integration, mandatory webhooks, and billing settings.

To create an app, you need to:

  1. Install the CLI.
  2. Run a command to generate the app (you can choose from templates like Node, PHP, or Ruby).
  3. Launch the app and connect to your Shopify store using a tunneling service like Ngrok, which gives you a public URL for your localhost.

Adding App Extensions

Shopify also provides app extensions for additional functionality, such as:

  • Admin Links: Add links to different Shopify admin pages.
  • Checkout UI Extensions: Insert your content into the checkout flow.
  • Theme App Extensions: Allow users to add app blocks to their themes directly.

These extensions can be created via the CLI and offer new possibilities to enhance your app's integration with Shopify.

Facing the Challenges

It’s essential to note that the Shopify app marketplace has become significantly more competitive. Over 10,000 live apps are now available, so standing out as a newcomer might be a challenge. However, with the right skills and effort, Shopify app development can be a rewarding venture.

Twitter encompasses all the tools, APIs, and processes involved in Shopify app development. Mastering these aspects can lead to the successful launch of your app.

I hope this article provided you with a solid foundation in Shopify app development. If you’re excited about getting started, dive in and begin building!

Keywords

Shopify app development, OAuth, session tokens, REST API, GraphQL API, Shopify CLI, Ngrok, app extensions, Shopify Polaris, embedded apps.

FAQ

1. What is a Shopify app?
A Shopify app is a third-party application that extends the functionality of a Shopify store, allowing users to customize and enhance their eCommerce operations.

2. How do I install a Shopify app?
To install a Shopify app, find it on the Shopify App Store, click the "Add app" button, and follow the prompts to complete the installation process.

3. What APIs do I need to use for Shopify app development?
You will primarily use the REST Admin API and the GraphQL Admin API to perform various tasks related to products, collections, and store management.

4. What tools does Shopify provide for app developers?
Shopify offers tools like the Shopify CLI, OAuth handling, session tokens via Shopify App Bridge, and a front-end component library called Shopify Polaris.

5. Can I create extensions for my Shopify app?
Yes, you can create various app extensions to add additional functionality, such as admin links, theme app extensions, and checkout UI extensions.

6. Is Shopify app development competitive?
Yes, the Shopify app marketplace is competitive, with over 10,000 live apps. Newcomers may find it challenging to stand out, but originality and quality can lead to success.

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