Packaging an app

Shopify Apps
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Topic summary

A developer has successfully built a private app with a storefront JavaScript file and checkout extension that works on test stores. They’re now stuck on converting it into a public Shopify App Store listing.

Main challenges:

  • Unclear about data storage requirements (customer info, payment info, auth keys)
  • Confused about app URL and redirect URL configuration
  • Needs guidance on versioning and distributing the JavaScript for storefronts
  • Unsure how to package the checkout extension as part of the app

The developer has their own server and database infrastructure and is willing to pay for assistance.

Community responses:

  • Suggested using Theme app embeds for frontend JavaScript
  • Recommended Checkout UI extensions documentation
  • Pointed to Shopify’s app scaffolding guide as a starting point
  • Advised hiring from the Shopify Partners directory if technical documentation proves insufficient

Status: The discussion remains open with the developer emphasizing they need help with app packaging/distribution mechanics rather than the code functionality itself.

Summarized with AI on October 29. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I need some help packaging an app. It consists of a javascript file that loads in the store front and a checkout extension.

All of that is written and is working fine on the stores who have been testing it as a private app. However, I am completely lost on how to turn this into an app store app.

I have my own server and database.

I am lost on what needs to be stored where as far as customer info, payment info, auth keys?, etc. I think I have a grasp on the app url and redirect url (but I’m not so sure about that). I take it the app url is where I send the customer to view bills, setup payments, etc.

Anyway, I need some help here and I’m willing to pay for that help. How do I create a versioned javascript that gets inserted in the store front and how do I include the extension I’ve written as part of the app.

Thank you!

Chris

2

Hi @schmidtc631 , welcome to the community and wish you best of luck for the app.

For the javascript on frontend, you can look into Theme app embed (https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/online-store/theme-app-extensions/configuration#app-embed-blocks).

For checkout extensions, please look into Checkout UI extensions (https://shopify.dev/docs/api/checkout-ui-extensions).

I’d also suggest to explain further what does the frontend and checkout JS do so we may steer you in the right direction.

3

Literally, it doesn’t matter what they do. How about a javascript that does a console.log(hello word) and an extension that displays a “Hello World” banner.

All that is written and working fine. That’s not what I’m looking for. I need help creating the actual distributable app.

Thanks.

4

You can start here (https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/scaffold-app) to get started with creating a distributable app. If you can’t get your head around that then I suggest hiring some from the partner directory [email removed] https://www.shopify.com/partners/directory