If you are reading this web blog currently, it probably means you either are planning to develop a Shopify app or are just researching how the Shopify custom App development works to plan your app development.
So, without further ado, let’s get started with a simple guide to Shopify app development.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is Shopify?
Founded in 2004, Shopify is an e-commerce platform, created to help people set up an online store and sell their products. It has a wide range of features that can help you sell your products online and in person.
Shopify Features that are beneficial for businesses
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Easy to use and set up
- - Shopify has an easy-to-use and clean interface where the features are logically structured to help you build your online stores quickly and easily. You can also follow their documentation and video guide to develop your online store.
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No tech worries
- - you do not need to worry about the setup and operation of your online store, as Shopify provides software, hosting, and integration with third-party apps.
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24/7 customer support
- - Shopify’s quick customer support is available 24/7 via phone call, email or webchat.
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Secure and reliable
- -Even though they deal with massive data and personal information like credit card details, Shopify stores are worthy of your trust, as they ensure a fast and secure website
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Mobile responsive themes
- - All Shopify these are mobile responsive as it is essential nowadays. The platform includes a built-in mobile commerce shopping cart.
What is Shopify App Store?
Apps perform as plugins to expand the functionalities of a store and help in boosting customer experience. There are thousands of apps available in the Shopify app store, and you can simply select a Shopify app to merge with your online store, and your website will be up and prepared trouble-free. The Apps are arranged as collections like growing your business, launching a new store, trending apps, made by Shopify, deals tunnel, and many more.
Types of Apps Provided by Shopify
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Public Apps
- - available to all dealers and merchants and can be listed in Shopify App stores( if it’s not an unlisted type of app, that is only available to the applicant's website to download).
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Custom Apps
- - made for merchants with pre-defined requirements. They can not be listed in the Shopify app store, as they are separately customised.
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Private Apps
- - the private App method is used when any particular requirement is not fulfilled by Shopify store development. They are not listed on the Shopify app store.
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Draft Apps
- - are used by partners during the development for reviewing and testing purposes. These apps can only be installed on development stores, which deactivates store transfer permanently.
Process of Shopify App Development
Your app should seamlessly combine with your online store while enhancing user experience and user interface. Your designs will speak for your brand and a satisfied customer will lead you to higher retention rates.
1. Tools and resources
Shopify is irreligious of language, thus you can use your familiar programming languages and frameworks to develop your app. There are various tools, documentation, and resources available to help you create your first app.
Essentials before you start building
- A Shopify partner account, development store, and ngrok account
- Entrance to the computer’s command line and text editor.
- Productive in any backend programming language, such as Node.JS, Java, PHP, Ruby on Rails, or Python.
- Use the npm package manager to introduce the software
2. Polaris
Polaris is an open-source design system for Shopify admin. Polaris can be used internally at Shopify as well as externally by third-party developers and designers. Developers do not have to build custom UI elements by themselves with Polaris, as all of its elements are flexible, pre-built, and easy to implement. The elements list as typography, illustrations, icon, spacing, colors, and interaction states.
3. Steps for Shopify App Development
Follow these steps for your Spotify App Development
1. Embed your app into the Shopify platform
2. Build your user interface with Polaris
3. Utilise the REST API or the GraphQL Admin API to get your way in and configure the GraphQL Admin API.
4. Connect the billing API. This is one of the major steps of Shopify app development.
5. You can use Webhooks or EventBridge to capture and respond to events.
4. The Submission & Review
Once you have examined your Shopify app and confirmed that it is production-ready, you can submit it for approval. After your submission, the Shopify review committee will confirm that your app meets all the norms. The review committee will confirm that the core functionality, authentication, and billing API of your app work correctly.
The review process takes about 6 - 8 business days, and your app goes through various stages of review, and you will be kept notified about what stage your app is going through.
To Wrap It Up…
Shopify provides outstanding performance and high uptime guarantee. But, developing an app all by yourself can be difficult. So if you need assistance or someone to take care of your Shopify app development, you have landed on the right page. Actoscript can help you with any kind of eCommerce website development and app development. You can contact us for Shopify Store development, Shopify App development, and even for custom Shopify development too!
