What is a Shopify Developer & How to Learn Shopify Development (2024)

There are no other SaaS companies with a growth rate like Shopify. In 2024, more than 1.7 Million merchants were using Shopify. With these staggering numbers, there is a natural demand for Shopify Development Services and Shopify Developer skills.

Suppose you are a merchant looking for a Shopify developer or a developer looking to begin working on Shopify websites. This post will explain what a Shopify developer is, the types of Shopify development, and how to get started as one.

Let’s get right into it.

1. Understanding the Role of a Shopify Developer

A Shopify developer is a Website Developer who builds eCommerce websites using the Shopify platform. They are usually experienced in front-end development and have a sharp eye for pixel-perfect design and UX.

They also develop apps or functionality for eCommerce websites built on the Shopify platform. They solve complex problems by integrating technologies like GraphQL and REST APIs into Shopify’s admin, front-end, and checkout.

Last but not least, a Shopify developer is familiar with outside integrations and solutions like payment gateways, ERPs, shipping, and how a Shopify site communicates with such third parties.

Path to Becoming a Shopify Developer

There are two main areas that you can specialize in for Shopify development.

1. The first one is to develop Shopify apps (also known as plugins). Shopify apps assist with various eCommerce website functionalities that can improve your marketing, sales, conversions, shipping, and more.
2. The second option is to build a Shopify theme, which controls the features, look, and feel of a merchant’s online store. A theme can be built from scratch or used from the Shopify Marketplace. It can be minimally modified by adding a merchant’s logo and style guide or changed to match a custom design created by experienced web designers.

Let’s now review what Shopify apps are. And why do merchants use them?

Advantages of Shopify App Development

Shopify stores are pretty much ready to roll with plenty of out-of-the-box tools. But, when it comes to building a truly customized online store, the standard features are limited.

That’s where Shopify Apps come in.

The Shopify App Store offers thousands of integrations that merchants or developers can install, with the goal of improving functionality, marketing, operations, analytics, and more.

In addition, apps can easily access the eCommerce store’s data for better insights. Users can pinpoint their customer’s needs by storing purchase data, findingdetailed sales analytics, creating highly targeted and personalized marketing, and more.

Plus, most Shopify Apps are scalable, meaning they grow with your store, create more opportunitiesto extend features and functionalities, and integrate with social media (for increased revenue through social commerce).

Shopify Apps are easily customizable since Shopify App Development allows you to tailor each app to amerchant’s unique needs.

Skills Required for Shopify App Development

Shopify developers can use a variety of languages and frameworks like React and Remix. It also helps to have a good understanding of:

• JavaScript
• React
• Building a full-stack web application
• GraphQL (specifically, Shopify API built with GraphQL)

You should also know the platform itself. You can create a free Shopify Partner account to create, test, and publish your Shopify app.

Next, let’s look at Shopify Theme development.

How to Become a Shopify Theme Developer

Shopify themes are like WordPress themes, but Shopify uses their nomenclature (Liquid)instead ofPHP. Each theme layout is built using sections of customizable blocks.

To get started with shopify theme development, we must know how shopify works as a CRM, like shopify products, and collection operations. After that we can jump into shopify theme development code.

To create a Shopify theme, you needto have the following:

• basic knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
• Liquid which is shopify templating language.
• General knowledge of jQuery (Many Shopify libraries use jQuery ) — Optional
• ability to create aShopify Partner accountto upload and test your Shopify theme (Free with unlimited Shopify store for development)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shopify Developers

• Is there a demand for Shopify developers? Yes, there is a significant demand for Shopify developers due to the platform’s growing popularity among eCommerce businesses and the increasing need for custom online store solutions. In 2024, this demand is projected to increase even more.
• Is Shopify development a good career? Shopify development is a promising career choice, particularly with Shopify’s surge in eCommerce as a key player. It offers opportunities for growth, continuous learning, and working with diverse online businesses.
• Is Shopify hard to learn? Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners. However, mastering the platform for custom development requires dedication and learning specific programming skills.
• Is it hard to become a Shopify developer? Becoming a Shopify developer involves a learning curve, requiring knowledge of web development and proficiency in Shopify’s platform, including its Liquid language.
• How do Shopify developers make money? They earn by creating custom themes, developing apps, helping with systems integrations such as fulfilment, ERP, etc., and offering services like maintenance and consulting. Their income varies based on their experience, the complexity of their services, and their client base.
• What skills does a Shopify developer need? Essential skills include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and familiarity with Liquid, Shopify’s templating language. Additional skills, such as UX design and knowledge of eCommerce principles, are also valuable.
• Does Shopify need coding? While setting up a basic Shopify store can be done without coding, advanced customization and feature development require coding skills, particularly in HTML, CSS, and Liquid.

Resources for Learning Shopify Development

The following resources can help you build the skills you need to become a Shopify developer.