The Basics Of Shopify App Development With Python

With its ever-growing popularity, Python has become the programming language of choice for many developers globally. We only have to peek at the TIOBE Index to find the language at the top of the list as of November 2021. An impressive feat considering Python has to compete with industry stalwarts such as C++, Java, and JavaScript.

But why has Python risen to the top and made it the talk of the town? Well, it’s an accessible language that even newcomers can learn in a matter of months. Python’s also incredibly versatile, allowing developers to work on machine learning (ML) projects and web apps. Furthermore, it’s a good choice for those that want to develop a Shopify app.

Why Shopify Matters

One e-commerce solution that has gained traction over the past seven years is Shopify. It’s an online store builder that allows merchants to set up digital storefronts with relative ease. Instead of dealing with the complexities of developing and hosting e-commerce websites, many merchants opt for Shopify’s more hassle-free approach. It shares many similarities to WordPress and WooCommerce, including an integrated blogging component, a store for professionally-made themes, and extensive SEO and analytics features. 

And, it seems that all the convenience that Shopify brings to the table is paying off. As of October 2021, over 3.7 million live websites use Shopify, with close to 70% of these sites registered in the United States. But what does this mean for e-commerce developers? Firstly, they can offer their services to merchants that don’t have the time or inclination to build their stores. And secondly, they can develop apps for these merchants, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

The Types Of Apps Shopify Allows 

There are essentially three types of apps that developers can create for the Shopify ecosystem:

• Custom app – A bespoke solution requested by a single merchant
• Private app – A bespoke solution with distinct requirements not met by a custom app
• Public app – An application suitable for distribution to masses of merchants

Furthermore, developers can choose whether to create embedded or standalone apps. Embedded apps present the following advantages:

• Easily accessible on both desktop and mobile.
• They utilize Shopify’s standard user interface (UI).
• Merchants get to use these apps in a familiar environment. 
• Access to device hardware, such as the camera and Near-Field Communication (NFC).

In most cases, developers should opt for embedded instead of standalone apps for several reasons. Standalone apps require their own user interface, web domain and can’t access extensions.

App Development With Python

The building blocks of Shopify consist of a wide variety of tech stacks. And during its early stages of development, Ruby (Ruby on Rails) played an integral role. Nowadays, developers may opt from several supported languages, including Python, to build their apps. 

But to speed up development, it’s best to use Python with a web framework such as Flask. Flask will make it easy to interface with Shopify and allow your app to listen to calls and webhooks. Furthermore, it can store access tokens within the ‘server.py’ file. But it’s best to implement a dedicated database, as it’s a more robust solution. 

Both Python and Flask are lightweight and easy to work with, meaning that it won’t take long to create impressive apps. Moreover, Shopify’s documentation is detailed and well-written, allowing developers to deal with any roadblocks that may appear.

In Conclusion

Shopify is an excellent e-commerce solution for merchants that want to set up successful online stores. And with tools such as Python and Flask, developing apps for Shopify’s ecosystem becomes a lot easier. Contact us today to learn how NS804 can help you create phenomenal apps for Shopify and beyond.