Build Shopify applications, extensions, and themes using GraphQL/REST APIs, Shopify CLI, Polaris UI components, and Liquid templating. Capabilities include app development with OAuth authentication, checkout UI extensions for customizing checkout flow, admin UI extensions for dashboard integration,

Shopify Development Comprehensive guide for building on Shopify platform: apps, extensions, themes, and API integrations. Platform Overview Core Components: Shopify CLI Development workflow tool GraphQL Admin API Primary API for data operations (recommended) REST Admin API Legacy API (maintenance mode) Polaris UI Design system for consistent interfaces Liquid Template language for themes Extension Points: Checkout UI Customize checkout experience Admin UI Extend admin dashboard POS UI Point of Sale customization Customer Account Post purchase pages Theme App Extensions Embedded theme functionality Quick Start Prerequisites Create New App Theme Development Development Workflow 1. App Development Setup: Configure Access Scopes ( shopify.app.toml ): Start Development: Add Extensions: Deploy: 2. Extension Development Available Types: Checkout UI checkout ui extension Admin Action admin action Admin Block admin block POS UI pos ui extension Function function (discounts, payment, delivery, validation) Workflow: 3. Theme Development Setup: Local Development: Deployment: When to Build What Build an App When: Integrating external services Adding functionality across multiple stores Building merchant facing admin tools Managing store data programmatically Implementing complex business logic Charging for functionality Build an Extension When: Customizing checkout flow Adding fields/features to admin pages Creating POS actions for retail Implementing discount/payment/shipping rules Extending customer account pages Build a Theme When: Creating custom storefront design Building unique shopping experiences Customizing product/collection pages Implementing brand specific layouts Modifying homepage/content pages Combination Approach: App + Theme Extension: App handles backend logic and data Theme extension provides storefront UI Example: Product reviews, wishlists, size guides Essential Patterns GraphQL Product Query Checkout Extension (React) Liquid Product Display Best Practices API Usage: Prefer GraphQL over REST for new development Request only needed fields to reduce costs Implement pagination for large datasets Use bulk operations for batch processing Respect rate limits (cost based for GraphQL) Security: Store API credentials in environment variables Verify webhook signatures Use OAuth for public apps Request minimal access scopes Implement session tokens for embedded apps Performance: Cache API responses when appropriate Optimize images in themes Minimize Liquid logic complexity Use async loading for extensions Monitor query costs in GraphQL Testing: Use development stores for testing Test across different store plans Verify mobile responsiveness Check accessibility (keyboard, screen readers) Validate GDPR compliance Reference Documentation Detailed guides for advanced topics: [App Development](references/app development.md) OAuth, APIs, webhooks, billing [Extensions](references/extensions.md) Checkout, Admin, POS, Functions [Themes](references/themes.md) Liquid, sections, deployment Scripts [shopify init.py](scripts/shopify init.py) Initialize Shopify projects interactively Troubleshooting Rate Limit Errors: Monitor X Shopify Shop Api Call Limit header Implement exponential backoff Use bulk operations for large datasets Authentication Failures: Verify access token validity Check required scopes granted Ensure OAuth flow completed Extension Not Appearing: Verify extension target correct Check extension published Ensure app installed on store Webhook Not Receiving: Verify webhook URL accessible Check signature validation Review logs in Partner Dashboard Resources Official Documentation: Shopify Docs: https://shopify.dev/docs GraphQL API: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin graphql Shopify CLI: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/shopify cli Polaris: https://polaris.shopify.com Tools: GraphiQL Explorer (Admin → Settings → Apps → Develop apps) Partner Dashboard (app management) Development stores (free testing) API Versioning: Quarterly releases (YYYY MM format) Current: 2025 01 12 month support per version Test before version updates Note: This skill covers Shopify platform as of January 2025. Refer to official documentation for latest updates.