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Learn Shopify Theme & App Development

Welcome to the Shopify Development Tutorials! In this guide, you will embark on a journey to master the art of building themes and apps for Shopify. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your existing skills, this guide offers valuable insights and practical knowledge tailored for everyone.

Who Am I?

👋 I'm devdermo, and I bring over 10 years of professional experience as a web developer, specializing in ecommerce and the Shopify platform. With a background in business, I gained practical insights into marketing strategies and consumer behavior that I apply to my development work. Currently, I serve as the in-house lead developer for a global company generating tens of millions of dollars (USD) in revenue, managing multiple brands and stores on Shopify Plus. In addition, I am a coding bootcamp instructor, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching courses at several top-rated universities in the U.S.

I am passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge, and my goal is to empower you to succeed in your Shopify development journey.

Who Are These Tutorials For?

These tutorials are tailored for:

  • Beginners: New to Shopify development or coding? You’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
  • Intermediate Developers: Those with some experience will gain deeper insights and advanced techniques to enhance their skills.
  • Bootcamp Graduates: Recent graduates looking to specialize in Shopify will benefit from practical guidance to transition their skills into professional projects.
  • Business Professionals: Business school students, digital marketers, and product managers can blend their expertise with technical skills to effectively leverage Shopify's platform.
  • Existing Teams: Shopify teams aiming to upgrade their technical skills and deepen their understanding of the platform's capabilities.
  • Freelancers and Entrepreneurs: Independent developers and entrepreneurs looking to build or customize Shopify stores will find valuable tools and knowledge to create a unique online presence.

What Will You Learn?

By following these tutorials, you will:

  • Understand Shopify's Architecture: Gain insights into how Shopify operates, including its core components like themes, apps, and the Liquid templating language.

  • Build and Customize Shopify Themes: Learn the essential skills and tools needed to create visually appealing and functional themes tailored to your brand's identity. Key technologies include:

    • HTML/CSS: Structure and style your theme.
    • JavaScript: Add interactivity and dynamic features.
    • Liquid: Use Shopify's templating language to render dynamic content.
    • Shopify CLI: Utilize this tool to streamline theme development and deployment, including functionalities previously found in Theme Kit.
  • Explore App Development: Dive into the process of building custom Shopify apps that extend functionality to meet specific business needs. You'll learn about:

    • Node.js: Use this JavaScript runtime to build server-side applications.
    • React: Leverage this popular library for building user interfaces in your apps.
    • Remix: Explore this React framework, developed by the same team behind React Router, which enhances server-side rendering and routing, making it easier to build performant Shopify apps.
    • GraphQL: Understand how to interact with Shopify's API to manage data efficiently.
    • Polaris: Utilize Shopify's design system to create a consistent user interface for your app.
  • Master the Entire Tech Stack: Become familiar with the complete tech stack involved in Shopify development, including:

    • Frontend Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Liquid, and frameworks like React and Remix.
    • Backend Technologies: Node.js, Express.js, and database management (e.g., MongoDB or MySQL) for app development.
  • Best Practices for Ecommerce Development: Discover strategies for enhancing user experience, optimizing site performance, and driving conversions, including responsive design techniques, SEO fundamentals, and accessibility considerations.

What Will You Need?

To get the most out of these tutorials, you don't need fancy hardware or expensive tools—just a willingness to learn! Here’s what you should have:

  • A Basic Understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: Familiarity with these foundational web technologies will help you follow along and apply what you learn.
  • Access to a Shopify Partner Account: Signing up for a Shopify Partner account is free and gives you the resources you need to start building on the platform.
  • A Code Editor: A simple code editor like Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is all you need to write and edit your code effectively.

The biggest assets you'll bring to this journey are your hard work and curiosity. With dedication and a desire to explore, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Shopify development!


As you embark on this journey into Shopify development, remember that success hinges on your willingness to learn and experiment. With the resources provided in these tutorials and your determination, you’ll acquire the skills necessary to build and customize impactful Shopify themes and apps. Embrace the challenges ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something amazing together in the world of ecommerce!