How to Build a Shopify App from Scratch

How to Build a Shopify App from Scratch

What started as a basic e-commerce platform has now blossomed into one of the leading platforms for e-commerce for both startup businesses as well as established brands – Shopify.APP. Combining two facts, growth of the Shopify popularity and rising demand for the custom apps which upgrade Shopify’s features, this task is very topical. In case you would like to develop your own virtual store on Shopify or work on Shopify Application Development, the tutorial provided in this guide will allow you to design a Shopify app from the very beginning. We will provide useful knowledge on all aspects of the application development lifecycle – everything from the underlying reasons for creating a particular kind of application to the building and deployment stages.

What is Shopify App Development?

Shopify App Development entails the development of applications which will boost the effectiveness of existing Shopify stores. For instance, importing products efficiently, enhancing customers’ experience or connecting with different services or applications are some of the functions Shopify apps serve. Also, creating a Shopify app can help businesses meet their requirements which are not completely addressed by current functionalities and apps in the Shopify App Store.

Be it a certain challenge that you would like to address for your own store, or appealing to you creating apps that others can use – the ability to develop a Shopify app is a useful skill.

Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment

In order to start building a Shopify app, you must prepare the optimal environment beforehand. The following tools and services will be necessary:

• Node.js: This programming language enables developers to work in the electronic business sector, given that many applications are created using Node.js, which has the backing of Shopify
  
• Shopify Partner Account: First, you need to register for a Shopify Partner account which is free and allows you to have access to test stores, relevant content, and the tools necessary for building the app.
  
• Shopify CLI: This tool makes it possible to create new apps and even bind them to a development store without having to go through cumbersome processes.
  
• Ngrok: It is worth noting that applications that are going to be hosted on Shopy are required to use HTTPS. Ngrok is a service that can be used to securely expose your localhost to Shopify.
  

So, before you get started, make sure that you first have Node.js and Shopify CLI installed. After this, execute the command to indicate the creation of a new application. All the necessary files and folders will be created for you by Shopify CLI to aid your development efforts.

Step 2: Create Your Shopify Partner Account

The creation of a Shopify app is not possible if you do not have a Shopify Partner account. Fortunately, Shopify has created simple tools for the partners which enable them to develop and test the applications in a secure area.

Now go to Shopify Partner Dashboard. After registration, it becomes possible to create a development stores in which the application can be tested.

Step 3: Setting Up a Development Store

Creating a development store is one of the most important phases in the process of Shopify app development. This particular store is meant for testing an app during its development. Within the partner account of Shopify, you can create a development store. In this way, you can try out the features of Shopify and see how your application will interact with them.

After the store is set up, it can be used to develop and test the application. Please note that this application has to be linked to the development store from the Shopify Admin UI.

Step 4: Understanding Shopify API

Shopify offers two main kinds of APIs to app developers: the REST API and the GraphQL API. Knowing how these APIs function will allow you to develop an app that will work with Shopify online stores in a proper manner.

• REST API: This is used to request some data from the Shopify, such as products, orders, customers and so forth.
  
• GraphQL API: This is a more sophisticated and more flexible API which.
  

It is important to learn these APIs in order to optimize the process of Shopify App Development. It is a good idea to do some reading on the API documentation, and also to perform API calls to see the types of data that you can get and how they can be modified.

Step 5: Creating Your First Shopify App

Once you have your environment set up and have had a look at the API provided by Shopify, you can now begin work on your first Shopify app. The first step is to go ahead and set up a very simple backend using express.js in node.js that is going to be responsible for handling Shopify store incoming requests.

For starters, create a new app by using the CLI provided by Shopify. The provided code will also include some templates with instructions written in code on how to perform an oAuth and install the application on a Shopify store. Depending on the purpose of your app, you will have to include your custom functionality in the application.

Step 6: Adding Functionality to Your App

More or less, we have established a basic structure and now we start adding functionalities to our app. Depending on the features you would like to develop, you can also call APIs provided by Shopify with the following objectives in mind: 

1. Integrating Custom Functionalities: You may wish to include additional functionalities such as bulk discount settings that will help merchants view their stock effectively.

2. Retrieving Information from Shopify: Your app can assist the user in acquiring customer-related or order-related data to offer a specific service. You can use different APIs of Shopify to get that data and show it on your application.

3. Webhooks: Allow webhooks so you can get information from Shopify when some actions are performed as creating a new order or modifying the existing one. Webhooks are important so that the merchant can update changes in the application’s database and reconcile it with his/her store.

Step 7: Testing Your Shopify App

Testing is an integral part of Shopify App Development. Whenever you want to run functional tests, make use of your development store for this purpose so that your app works seamlessly.

Some testing tools are also offered by Shopify, including the possibility of simulating certain actions or statuses, such as when there is a need to install or uninstall the application. Also remember that using Ngrok for testing the application under a secure tunnel is a must since Shopify has made it a rule that all applications must use HTTPS protocols.

Step 8: Deploying Your Shopify App

When the application has been created and tested for bugs and other flaws, it is time to put out the application. An on-demand cloud server is necessary in order to have the application running. The most frequently used are Heroku, AWS, Digital Ocean.

Be sure that your application grants a high level of security, protection of private data, and an appropriate privacy policy because apps that are submitted to the Shopify App Store are vigorously scrutinized.

After app hosting, the application can be reviewed by merchants at the Shopify App Store once approved so that they can install the application into their stores. It is important to check the requirements of the app store provided by Shopify in advance.

Step 9: Maintaining and Updating Your Shopify App

As long as your app is live, the work does not end. It is also essential to maintain and update your application with the changes that might come on the Shopify platform. Another important aspect is to gather user feedback and improve or fix whatever users complain about.

For a Shopify app to work efficiently, it requires continuous development and maintenance. There are frequent updates brought to the platform by Shopify, and it is your responsibility to ensure that your app functions well and is responsive.

Conclusion

Shopify App Development from scratch may seem complicated, but it is a possibility that can be achieved. In fact, by following these steps, it is possible to create a Shopify app that either enhances the functionality of merchants’ stores or provide additional features which complement their stores.

Developing a Shopify app is a project: this encompasses gaining an insight into the platform, leveraging its APIs, and providing added value to the merchants by integrating the app smoothly. In case you are a beginner in the development of applications, do not be afraid to start with the easier features and build your way up the complexity ladder.

Would you like to find out more about apps for Shopify and extend your query to a specialist? Whether you have a detailed query or simple questions, Shopify Consultants are available to help you at every stage of the app development process.