"i only speak liquid" #4: App development, B2B and tech context

Hey all,

Welcome to , where active Shopify developers like me (Roberto) share learnings we face daily.

PS: I'm an expert on Storetasker and take on freelance projects from their client base. I've worked on Alpine Princess and other fantastic brands. Apply here if you want in.

What I’ve been thinking about:

If you are a Shopify App developer, you are probably familiar with the wonders of the new App Embeds and App Blocks system. Theme App Extensions are apps that leverage the full potential of Shopify's theme customiser to implement customisable apps. It is effortless to build them, and we are finding more and more apps in the app store that use this new technology. In addition, the maintenance and development of these apps are less than traditional apps. They make a lot more sense for theme maintenance, since you do not interfere with the theme code.

There are two types of applications in this category: app embed and app blocks. The first type does not have to represent a block within the web; it can simply be Javascript scripts, modal windows, or modifications of an existing block. App blocks are the closest to creating a custom block to be used within the Shopify Theme Customizer. However, app blocks are only able to use in Online Store 2.0. themes.

An exciting feature of these apps is the new implementation of metafields under the "app" namespace, which allows you to use metafields exclusively within your Theme App Extensions. We can also use these metafields to make conditional blocks. For example, you can control the visibility of an app block, or app embed based on a condition in your metafield (a boolean).

The condition must be written in your application's scheme with available_if as follows:

You can check more about this in the Shopify docs. Give these apps a chance because they are the present and future of the ecosystem.

3 links you can’t miss:

• The Best Shopify Theme In 2022 (Industry experts have voted): New Coding with Jan video in which different Shopify experts review the best theme for them. Many of them are from the Storetasker community.

• Build a Custom Shopify Storefront using Hydrogen: New video from Code with Ania Kubów explaining how to use Hydrogen to create a custom Storefront on Shopify.

• Locations now support metafields. Use metafields APIs to store additional information in metafield values, like store hours, and then reference them in Liquid. So powerful for new apps and 3PLs integrations.

One app I like:

Wholesale Pricing Discount by Wholesale Helper

Many store owners need a way to offer an online platform to sell their products to B2B customers, and what better way to do it than do it on Shopify. Shopify has announced a new Wholesale feature for their Plus customers, but it is still far away from what merchants need.

Wholesale Helper apps are the best to grow their wholesale business and simplify their operations without hesitation. It is the B2B app that I recommend and installs for all our clients. The best features for me are:

• Merchant can set up a B2B wholesale using the same storefront or create a separate wholesale experience.

• Offer wholesale pricing for each customer.

• Customise individual variant pricing, tiered discount, discount codes and more.

• Custom sign-up form

• Offer Flexible Payment Options Using Net Terms

• Fantastic support team – They carry with the installation in the theme code.

• All of this works perfectly in drawer carts! 🤩

One learning as a freelancer:

A common misconception is that “technology” solves problems on its own. Instead, I see technology as only just a tool to solve problems, achieve goals and accomplish things. It’s not an end to a means in its own right.

Clients don't understand this about technology, and, commonly, they sometimes get carried away by fads or comments from a third party. As freelancers, we have to understand that we are the ones who leverage technology to solve problems, and we have to adapt it to each situation.

Therefore, context is the most important thing. We must be open to understanding each project separately and apply what best fits each case based on needs, budget, time and objectives.

Don’t just write code; offer an opinion – Better for your client, and better for you.

I hope you enjoy this 4th issue. We have another developer from the Storetasker expert network taking over for the next 4 edits, so let's stay connected via twitter!

Speak soon,

Roberto Aresena