Shopify App to Learn the Basics of App Development

Shopify Apps
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Hello everyone,

I am trying to get back into Backend Development by learning how to build an app for Shopify.

So my question is, what is a super simple app that I can create that will allow me to learn the basics of developing apps for Shopify.

I had the idea to build an app that would allow people to leave product reviews on someone’s store. I figured it would be a good place to start because the ERD in my Database Schema would probably be pretty simple with this type of app.

But do any of you know of anything that is simpler to start with? I’m looking for something simple enough that I can build an MVP in a weekend. I’m not looking to make any money off of it, I just want to learn the ropes.

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If you’re using Node, you can use the CLI tool to scaffold an app to build a simple app. For python, you can use sample Django app. Just look for a simple problem on the community and build an app to solve the problem

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Hi, @pierrewebdev !

Thanks for reaching out in our Community forums and for sharing your concern, I’d be happy to share some additional resources.

I’m happy to hear that you’re looking to jump back into learning Backend Development. I can assist with pointing you towards some resources. We have a great guide that will help you get started with your first app. It will allow you to set up your local development environment, generate starting code for building your app, and install your app on a development store. Check out to tutorial here to learn more.

We also have some other great resources, communities and platforms where you can reach out for more technical assistance for developers:

I hope these resources help! Kindly reply back to this thread with any questions or updates.

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Also see https://github.com/Shopify/product-reviews-sample-app as a reference to build against to simplify the learning curve if using node.js

Finding a good tut on scripttags can be a good start to avoid alot of app building overhead like dealing with backend UI.

https://www.shopify.in/partners/blog/add-code-from-your-app

https://shopify.dev/apps/online-store/other-integration-methods#the-scripttag-resource

If your using .net , C#, https://nozzlegear.com/shopify/the-developers-guide-to-shopify-script-tags

Once you’ve passed doing something simple know there’s a bit of a trap with the word “basics” , as that doesn’t clarify what your dev stack or focus may end up being.

Like there’s a drastic different between script-tags apps, embedded apps, checkout extension apps, POS apps, proxy-apps, carrier services,etc. where the foundations shift somewhat requiring new “basics” https://shopify.dev/apps/getting-started/app-types

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Thanks for the reply. I will be checking out all the links that you sent so I can get a better understanding of what I am getting myself into.

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And yeah I should have mentioned what language I am using in my original post. I am planning on building apps using PHP and Laravel because I am familiar with the MVC Development pattern.

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@PaulNewton @Mac_2 @jam_chan
Thank you all for the help you gave me. I struggled a lot with app development but this year I finally managed to figure it out and just got my first Shopify App approved on the Shopify App Store.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. There are not many helpful people for devs in this community so thank you for taking the time to answer my question.