"i only speak liquid" #56: Shopify Editions Summer 2024

Hey everyone!

Welcome to my 4th and final contribution to the  i_only_speak_liquid newsletter! I'm Michael, a freelance web developer and proud member of the Storetasker network. It has been a blast writing these newsletters! So for the last time, let’s dive into it!

What I’ve been thinking about:

The Shopify Editions Summer 2024 release introduces numerous updates, particularly for developers, enhancing the platform's flexibility, integration, and user experience. Here are the key highlights with a focus on new features for developers:

New Style Settings For Themes

Style settings are a new category of input settings designed to hold values that map directly to CSS properties. Unlike traditional input settings, these can hold different values for various breakpoints, ensuring responsive and flexible design control. For an in-depth look, refer to my newsletter.

Hydrogen Visual Editor

The Hydrogen Visual Editor, powered by Utopia, allows developers to build headless storefronts visually. It supports real-time collaboration and integrates with GitHub, making it easier for teams to work together and manage data from various sources.

Store Performance

Shopify has revamped its analytics stack to offer more intuitive and flexible reporting. Developers can now gain deeper insights into store performance in real-time, customize dashboards, and build complex reports combining various metrics and dimensions. The introduction of ShopifyQL enhances data querying within reports.

Trade Theme

For wholesale sellers, the new B2B Trade theme offers customizable B2B stores, bulk product marketing, and other features tailored to wholesale operations.

Checkout Blocks is Now Free

The Checkout Blocks app, which allows for customizing the checkout experience, is now free. This provides developers with more flexibility in enhancing the checkout process.

Customize More Pages with Apps

Developers can now use apps to customize additional pages, including the checkout and accounts pages, across all Shopify plans. This extends the possibilities for creating a more personalized user experience.

Segmentation in Plain Language

Shopify's new segmentation features translate ShopifyQL code into simple language, making it easier for developers and merchants to create and manage customer segments and tailor marketing efforts.

The New Shopify Pixel Helper

The new Shopify Pixel Helper simplifies setting up and troubleshooting pixels, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of tracking and analytics across campaigns.

Storefront updates

• Hydrogen: Build Hydrogen storefronts faster with dozens of UX improvements shipped to the Hydrogen DX including a new optimistic cart, predictive search, Shopify Analytics, and more.

• Cart API: Speed customers through checkout by prefilling delivery address, preferred delivery method, and pickup location using the Storefront Cart API.

• and many more

Extension & API updates

• Admin Extensions: New admin extensions streamline order fulfillment tasks and integrate workflows without leaving the admin page.

• Shopify Flow: The Flow template app extension allows for easier automation integration within apps, enhancing functionality and user experience.

• Write to metafields with Customer Account API: Store and access customer data using the Customer Account API and allow logged-in customers to update information about themselves.

• and many more

Growth updates

• Better app discoverability: With a refreshed taxonomy and structured data on app features, your apps are now better matched and promoted to the right merchants.

• and many more

Tool updates

• .dev Assistant: An AI-powered tool that helps developers generate GraphQL queries and mutations based on natural language instructions, speeding up the development process.

• Console.log now in Run Code action: Easily debug and troubleshoot your JavaScript in the Run Code action with console.log support.

• and many more

Conclusion

These updates significantly enhance the development capabilities on Shopify, providing more powerful tools, streamlined workflows, and improved customization options. There are many more updates and new features that I didn’t cover in this newsletter. For a comprehensive view, be sure to visit the Shopify Editions Summer 2024 page.

3 links you can’t miss:

1. Migrating Pixels Shopify scripts are being phased out within the next year, so now’s the perfect time to start moving your scripts to pixels. Getting a head start will make the transition smoother and keep your tracking on point.

2. Graphql docs Make sure to bookmark the official Shopify GraphQL documentation. It’s a must-have resource for efficiently handling your store data with the GraphQL Admin API.

3. Shopify Editions Summer 2024 The Shopify Editions Summer 2024 release is packed with exciting new features and updates. Check out the official page to stay in the loop and see how these enhancements can help you grow your business and streamline your operations.

1 app I like:

Shopify Search & Discovery The Shopify Search & Discovery app is essential for enhancing your store's shopping experience. It improves search functionality, offers user-friendly filtering options, and provides personalized product recommendations. Many themes now use a Complimentary Product block, which relies on this app to connect complementary products to a main product. This setup helps customers find related items easily, boosting engagement and sales while creating a more seamless shopping journey.

One learning as a freelancer:

Stay organized!

Staying organized is key to being productive and successful, whether you’re running a business, managing projects, or handling personal tasks. Using a platform to keep track of your projects, tasks, clients, and meeting notes can streamline your workflow and help you stay on top of everything. Notion is a great tool for this, allowing you to create a customized workspace where you can store and access all your important information, collaborate with team members, and track your progress. With a centralized system, you can easily keep track of deadlines and responsibilities without losing important details.

Having a codebase for commonly used features is also a smart move. It saves time and effort by providing a reference point that can be easily integrated into new projects, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Time tracking is another crucial aspect of staying organized, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects or billing clients by the hour. Tools like Clockify help you monitor how much time you’re spending on different tasks, allowing you to optimize your workflow and ensure accurate billing.

Starting each day with a clear plan can make a big difference in maintaining focus and productivity. Creating a list of tasks you want to complete provides direction and helps you prioritize your efforts. Time blocking, or dedicating specific periods to different tasks, can further enhance productivity by reducing distractions and allowing you to concentrate fully on one task at a time. Using a journal to plan your day can be very effective for time blocking, giving you a visual representation of your schedule and helping you stay committed to your plan. By incorporating these strategies, you can improve your organization, boost your productivity, and achieve your goals more efficiently.

I hope you found my fourth and final edition insightful. I'd love to hear your feedback. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas!

Have a great week,

Michael