Beginner’s Guide to Writing Shopify Custom Code

Shopify is a powerful e-commerce platform that allows for extensive customization to meet a store’s unique needs. While Shopify offers themes and apps for customization, some advanced features or specific requirements might call for writing custom code. If you’re new to this, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Why Write Shopify Custom Code?

Custom code allows you to:

• Add unique features that aren’t available with apps or themes.
• Modify the appearance and functionality of your store beyond what pre-built themes offer.
• Personalize the user experience to align with your brand goals.
• Increase your store’s performance by tailoring solutions for specific needs.

Before You Start

Skill Requirements

You’ll need a basic understanding of:

• HTML/CSS for the structure and design of your store.
• Liquid (Shopify’s proprietary templating language) to customize themes and interact with Shopify data.
• JavaScript for dynamic content and advanced interactivity.

Tools and Resources

To begin writing custom code, set up the following tools:

• VS Code (Visual Studio Code): A free, lightweight code editor with ample plugins and extensions to make coding easier.

👉 Download VS Code here

• ChatGPT: A powerful AI tool to assist with coding queries, debug issues, and understand Liquid syntax.

👉 For example, simply ask ChatGPT how to embed a custom script in a Shopify theme, and it’ll guide you step by step.

• Shopify Partners Account (Optional): If you want to test on development stores without affecting your live store.

👉 Join the Shopify Partners program

Best Practices

1. Always back up your theme before making changes. If something breaks, you’ll need a fallback.
2. Use a local development environment to safely test scripts.
3. Document every change to make troubleshooting easier.

How to Write Shopify Custom Code

Step 1. Access the Shopify Code Editor

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Themes.
3. Find the theme you’re editing and click Actions > Edit Code.

Step 2. Learn Liquid Basics

Liquid is Shopify’s templating language, designed specifically for its themes. It dynamically outputs data from Shopify (like product titles, prices, etc.).

Key components of Liquid syntax:

• Tags `{% %}`: Logic statements like loops and conditionals.

Example:

“`liquid

{% for product in collections.frontpage.products %}

{{ product.title }}

{% endfor %}

“`

• Objects `{{ }}:` Outputs dynamic content.

Example:

“`liquid

{{ product.title }} – Displays the product title.

“`

• Filters `{{ object | filter }}`: Modify the output of Liquid objects.

Example:

“`liquid

{{ product.price | money_with_currency }}

“`

Step 3. Customize Assets

To create visual changes:

• Edit CSS Files in the `Assets` folder for styling.
• Add custom JS Files for advanced interactivity.

Example:

“`javascript

document.querySelector(“.product-title”).style.color = “blue”;

“`

⚠️ Always test these changes on a development theme to avoid affecting your live store.

Step 4. Adding Custom Sections

Sections allow you to create modular, reusable blocks of code. To create one:

1. Go to the Sections folder and click Add a New Section.
2. Name your section (e.g., `custom-hero`) and code your HTML/Liquid.

Example:

“`liquid

<section>

<h1>{{ ‘Welcome to Our Store!’ | t }}</h1>

</section>

“`

3. Customize your store by including the section in your theme templates.

Step 5. Write Dynamic Content

Use Liquid tags and logic to make content dynamic:

• Example 1: Display a promotional banner on weekends:

“`liquid

{% if ‘now’ | date: ‘%A’ == ‘Saturday’ or ‘now’ | date: ‘%A’ == ‘Sunday’ %}

<p>Enjoy 20% off this weekend only!</p>

{% endif %}

“`

• Example 2: Auto-hide out-of-stock products in a collection:

“`liquid

{% for product in collection.products %}

{% unless product.available %}

<p>{{ product.title }} is currently out of stock.</p>

{% endunless %}

{% endfor %}

“`

Step 6. Test Your Code

• Use Shopify’s Preview Theme feature to review changes before publishing.
• Check your store’s responsiveness and compatibility with different browsers and devices.
• Debug issues using browser developer tools (e.g., Chrome DevTools).

What Next?

Advanced Enhancements

• Integrate AJAX for asynchronous updates, like adding products to the cart without refreshing the page.
• Leverage Shopify APIs for deeper customizations like automating order fulfillment or syncing inventory.

Collaborate with AI

Use ChatGPT to:

• Write snippets faster by providing starting points.
• Debug error-prone Liquid code.
• Simplify logic for various code challenges.

Example prompt you can use in ChatGPT:

“How do I display a custom message for best-selling products in Shopify? Can you provide a Liquid code example?”

Final Thoughts

Custom coding in Shopify is a fantastic way to take control of your store’s functionality and appearance. With tools like VS Code and ChatGPT, combined with Shopify’s powerful Liquid language, the possibilities for customization are endless.

💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re hesitant, start small—edit CSS styles or create a custom message for your homepage. Over time, you’ll build confidence and transform your store into exactly what you envision.

Happy coding! 🚀