How to create a modern app on Shopify? A comprehensive guide for developers

In this article, we present a comprehensive approach to developing applications on the Shopify platform, using a set of modern technologies to achieve high performance and flexibility.

The proposed stack includes Next.js/Remix, which enables smooth page rendering and resource optimization, Prisma, a PostgreSQL database management tool, and Tanstack Query, which streamlines communication with the Shopify API. In addition, solutions such as App Bridge v4 and Shopify API Library take care of secure authorization, while Polaris React and Tailwind CSS allow for quick creation of consistent and responsive interfaces.

In short, the set of these technologies enables you to build a scalable, efficient and secure application that meets the demands of modern online stores. In the remainder of this article, we will expand on the individual elements of the stack and show how they work together to create a comprehensive solution for Shopify.

Why use modern technology to create apps on Shopify?

Investing in a modern app on the Shopify platform has many benefits that translate into both a better user experience and higher business results. Here are some key reasons why you should bet on a modern solution:

• Enhanced performance and responsiveness  
  • Modern technologies such as Next.js and Remix enable server-side page rendering and dynamic content management.  
  • Fast page loading, optimized image management and dynamic imports affect the smoothness of the site.  
  • Better responsiveness translates into a positive user experience, which has a direct impact on conversions and sales.
• Scalability and solution flexibility  
  • A modular approach, based on tools such as Prisma, makes it easy to make changes to the database structure and adapt the system to growing business needs.  
  • The use of UI components in Polaris React and Tailwind CSS allows for rapid interface modifications with minimal application development effort.  
  • As traffic and market requirements increase, the application can be developed and scaled without a major overhaul of the architecture.
• Data security and system integrity  
  • Integration of tools such as App Bridge v4 and Shopify API Library allows the implementation of advanced authorization and user session management mechanisms.  
  • Correct token management and OAuth implementation increases the level of data protection and compliance with the latest security standards.  
  • Thanks to this approach, every stage of communication between the user and the server is monitored, and potential risks are minimized.
• Effective API communication and data management  
  • Tanstack Query enables efficient communication with the Shopify GraphQL API, which allows for real-time data retrieval, caching and updating.  
  • Automatic management of loading and error states simplifies application logic, reducing the need for manual monitoring of asynchronous processes.  
  • This approach helps avoid redundant queries and improves application performance optimization, which is essential in a dynamic e-commerce environment.
• Streamline the development process  
  • Automating type generation with Graphql-Codegen increases code security by minimizing the risk of errors due to type incompatibility.  
  • Standardization of the team's work through the use of Polaris React and Tailwind CSS components allows for rapid implementation of functionality and maintenance of visual consistency.  
  • The holistic approach to building a modern application allows to shorten the time of implementing changes, which is especially important in the dynamic development of the market.

The technology stack we suggest when developing a Shopify app

Next.js / Remix

Next.js and Remix are frameworks that combine the advantages of server-side rendering (SSR) and static page generation (SSG) with the capabilities of single page applications (SPA). By using server components, these applications render parts of the interface on the server, so the user gets a pre-designed page, which significantly speeds up loading time and improves SEO.  

Another advantage is an intuitive routing system based on a folder structure, which makes it easy to organize code and manage navigation, even in very complex projects. Dynamic module import allows loading only the necessary code snippets at any given time, reducing the load on the application. In addition, the ability to embed API logic directly into the project means consistent architecture, easier deployments and code maintenance throughout the application lifecycle.

Prisma

Prisma is a modern ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) tool for efficient management of databases, which in this case are based on PostgreSQL. Developers can define data models in a declarative and readable way, which automatically generates migrations and updates to the database schema. Such automation not only speeds up the development process, but also minimizes potential errors when making changes to the data structure.

In addition, Prisma supports advanced operations such as transactions, relationships between tables and complex queries, allowing you to build scalable applications. Its strong integration with PostgreSQL ensures data reliability and consistency, which is crucial in a dynamic e-commerce environment.

Tanstack Query

Tanstack Query is a tool dedicated to managing state and handling asynchronous operations, especially useful when communicating with external APIs such as Shopify GraphQL API. Thanks to automatic caching and data synchronization, developers can efficiently retrieve, update and maintain consistency of application state, without having to manually manage asynchronous logic.

What's more, Tanstack Query automatically monitors loading states, handles errors and minimizes redundant queries, which translates into system performance. This approach not only simplifies front-end logic, but also ensures more responsive and stable application performance under variable traffic conditions.

App Bridge v4

App Bridge v4 is a tool designed to securely integrate apps into the Shopify ecosystem. It enables efficient management of authorization and user sessions while implementing the latest security standards. Version 4 offers advanced authentication mechanisms that protect against unauthorized access and ensure consistency in user data management.

The integration of App Bridge with the rest of the application makes it easy to build an interface that is not only secure, but also intuitive for users. Its implementation allows centralization of authentication handling, resulting in better access control and more efficient session management.

Shopify API Library

Shopify API Library facilitates the implementation of the OAuth process, enabling fast and efficient authorization of access to store resources. This library takes care of all the logic involved in creating and renewing access tokens, which security standards automatically enforce, ensuring that Shopify platform requirements are met.

With this library, Shopify API integration becomes more transparent and less error-prone. Automating the authorization process allows developers to focus on implementing functionality, while having confidence that the authentication system is working according to industry best practices.

Polaris React

Polaris React is a set of pre-built UI components designed according to Shopify's aesthetic and functional standards. This library allows you to quickly build interfaces that are not only visually appealing, but also intuitive for store users. Standardization of components speeds up the design process and reduces the time to implement new features, which is crucial in the fast-paced e-commerce market.

Polaris React components have been designed with consistency in mind, ensuring a uniform look across the entire application. In addition, regular updates to the library provide access to the latest solutions and bug fixes, resulting in a more stable and secure end product.

Tailwind CSS

Tailwind CSS is a framework based on a utility-first approach that enables instant style customization and responsive interfaces without having to write your own CSS declarations from scratch. Instead of creating complex rules, developers use ready-made classes, which speeds up the design process and helps maintain stylistic consistency throughout the application.

The flexibility of Tailwind CSS allows for easy modifications, even in large projects, so the team can respond quickly to design changes. The modular structure and configuration tools also make it easy to scale projects, making Tailwind CSS an ideal choice for modern e-commerce applications.

Graphql-Codegen

Graphql-Codegen is a tool that automates the process of generating TypeScript types from GraphQL schemas, an important part of maintaining consistency between front-end and back-end. This automation not only speeds up development work, but also minimizes the risk of errors due to incompatibility of data types passed between application layers.

Type generation enables faster iterative deployment of changes and easier maintenance of complex API query logic. The tool supports integration with leading frameworks and libraries, providing a solid foundation for building reliable and scalable communication solutions in modern applications on Shopify.

Application architecture - How everything works together

Modern web applications are based on a modular architecture, in which individual components and services work together to form a coherent and efficient system. In the described solution, each element of the technological stack plays a well-defined role, and the whole thing is designed to make it as easy as possible to scale, develop and maintain an application on the Shopify platform.

The first step is the frontend layer, built using Next.js or Remix, along with Polaris React components and styled using Tailwind CSS. This ensures that the user interface not only looks modern, but also runs smoothly and responsively on various devices. Rendering parts of the interface server-side (SSR) and dynamically loading individual modules minimizes the user's wait time for the page to fully load.

The API communication layer, based on Tanstack Query, is responsible for retrieving and synchronizing data from the Shopify GraphQL API. This enables efficient management of application state, including automatic caching of query results, error handling and loading states. As a result, data is always up-to-date and the logic for managing it remains concise and predictable.

In terms of security and authentication, App Bridge v4 and Shopify API Library take care of centralizing authorization and session management processes. This ensures that all operations that require access to user resources are performed according to the latest standards, eliminating potential security vulnerabilities and ensuring full compliance with Shopify platform requirements.

The database, managed using Prisma, is the foundation of the entire application. Thanks to precise data modeling and automatic migrations, the application guarantees consistency and reliability of stored information. The layer designed in this way makes it easy to make changes to the database structure without disrupting the entire system.

At the interface between the frontend and backend layers is the Graphql-Codegen tool, which automatically generates TypeScript types based on the GraphQL schema. This reduces the risk of communication errors and ensures strict correspondence between the query system and type declarations. Such automation significantly speeds up the iterative development of the application and facilitates code maintenance.

In summary, the application architecture forms an integral system in which the various technologies work together at different levels. From interface rendering and style management, to query operations to external APIs, to consistent modeling and data storage, each layer is designed with performance, security and scalability in mind. This approach not only enhances the user experience, but also enables easier implementation of further improvements and development of functionality, making the application ready for dynamically changing market needs.

An example of using this technology stack in a real-world Shopify application

Label Generator App is an innovative application that is designed to streamline the management of product labels in online stores. The system automatically generates labels, which prepares the ground for fast and precise printing and template management - from printer configuration to template editing to precise printing. For companies operating in both eCommerce and retail, the application provides a reliable tool to save time and reduce errors resulting from manual handling of these processes.

The goal of the project was to implement a comprehensive solution, including a dedicated dashboard, intuitive interfaces for managing printers and templates, and full integration with the Shopify platform. Key tasks included the creation of a user dashboard giving quick access to the most important functions, implementing mechanisms for managing roles and assigning printers, and ensuring full data synchronization between the system and Shopify. Challenges such as automatic data synchronization, efficient handling of asynchronous operations and consistent authorization management were solved through the use of modern technologies.

The technology stack included, among others:  

• Next.js - guaranteeing fast page rendering and use of server components, which significantly improved application loading times.  
• Prisma - a PostgreSQL database management tool for easy data modeling and schema migrations.  
• Tanstack Query - a solution that facilitates communication with Shopify GraphQL API through efficient data retrieval and caching mechanisms.  
• App Bridge v4 and Shopify API Library - integrating the authorization system into the Shopify ecosystem.  
• Polaris React - providing a consistent set of UI components in line with Shopify guidelines, ensuring an intuitive and professional interface design.  
• Graphql-Codegen - automating the generation of TypeScript types, which increased security and accelerated application development.

The implementation of the application brought tangible business benefits. Thanks to a clear interface and process automation, operations related to product import and label generation became much faster and more efficient. The streamlined label management system allowed teams to better organize their work, accurately assign roles and significantly reduce errors in daily operations.

We invite you to read the full case study, which provides a detailed analysis of the Label Generator App implementation, a discussion of the project challenges, and the measurable results the app has delivered for clients.

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Ready for more? If you want to learn more about Shopify app development, click the link below and go to our dedicated page about Shopify App Development. See how our solutions can contribute to the success of your business!