Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows merchants to create and manage their online stores. Shopify API (Application Programming Interface) is a powerful tool that enables developers to interact with the Shopify platform programmatically. Using the Shopify API, developers can build custom applications and integrate with third-party tools to enhance the functionality of Shopify stores.
In this article, we will discuss Shopify API in detail, including its endpoints, authentication and authorization, best practices, and resources for learning.
Understanding The Shopify API
Shopify API is a RESTful API that allows developers to access and manipulate the data of a Shopify store. REST stands for Representational State Transfer, which is a software architecture style that defines a set of constraints for creating web services.
Using Shopify API, developers can retrieve data, create, update and delete resources in a Shopify store. The API returns data in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format, which is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy to read and write.
Shopify API’s Endpoints
Shopify API has two main endpoints: the REST API and the GraphQL API. Let’s discuss each of these endpoints in detail.
REST API
Shopify REST API is a set of HTTP-based endpoints that allow developers to access and manipulate Shopify store data. REST API supports CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) operations on various Shopify resources, including products, orders, customers, and collections.
Developers can use any programming language or library that supports HTTP requests to interact with the Shopify REST API. To use the REST API, developers need to authenticate and authorize their requests using API keys, access tokens, or OAuth.
Here are some examples of REST API endpoints:
Retrieve a list of products;
`GET /admin/api/2021-07/products.json`Create a new product;
`POST /admin/api/2021-07/products.json
`Update a product;
`PUT /admin/api/2021-07/products/{product_id}.json
`Delete a product;
`DELETE /admin/api/2021-07/products/{product_id}.json
`GraphQL API
Shopify GraphQL API is a query language that enables developers to retrieve and manipulate Shopify store data. GraphQL allows developers to request only the data they need, making it more efficient than REST API for some use cases.
With GraphQL API, developers can define their data requirements using a schema, which describes the available data types and their relationships. The schema is used to validate and execute GraphQL queries.
GraphQL API supports real-time updates through subscriptions, which allow developers to receive updates whenever a specified event occurs.
Here are some examples of GraphQL API queries:
Retrieve A List Of Products
query {
products(first: 10) {
edges {
node {
id
title
description
variants(first: 5) {
edges {
node {
id
title
price
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
Create New Products
mutation {
productCreate(input: {
title: "New Product"
descriptionHtml: "<p>New product description</p>"
price: "10.00"
}) {
product {
id
title
description
variants(first: 5) {
edges {
node {
id
title
price
}
}
}
}
}
}
Authentication And Authorization
Shopify API requires authentication and authorization for every API request. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of the API client, while authorization is the process of granting or denying access to specific resources based on the client’s permissions.
Shopify API supports three types of authentication: API keys, access tokens, and OAuth.
API Keys
API keys are used to authenticate API requests that do not require user-level permissions, such as retrieving public data or performing read-only operations. API keys are generated in the Shopify admin, and they are used as a shared secret between the client and the server.
To authenticate using an API key, developers need to include the key in the request URL or header. Here is an example of including an API key in the request URL:
GET /admin/api/2021-07/products.json?access_token={api_key}
Access Tokens
Access tokens are used to authenticate API requests that require user-level permissions, such as creating, updating, or deleting resources. Access tokens are generated by requesting authorization from a Shopify store owner or administrator.
To obtain an access token, developers need to redirect the user to a Shopify authorization page where the user can grant or deny access to the requested permissions. After the user grants access, Shopify redirects the user back to the developer’s application with an access token that can be used to make authorized API requests.
Here is an example of using an access token to authenticate an API request:
GET/admin/api/2021-07/products.json?access_token={access_token}
OAuth (Open Authorization)
OAuth (Open Authorization) is a protocol that allows users to grant third-party applications access to their data without sharing their login credentials. Shopify uses OAuth 2.0 to provide secure authentication and authorization for API requests.
To authenticate using OAuth, developers need to register their application with Shopify and obtain a client ID and secret. When a user wants to grant access to their Shopify store data, they are redirected to a Shopify authorization page where they can log in and grant permission to the application. After the user grants permission, Shopify redirects the user back to the application with an access token that can be used to make authorized API requests.
Using The Shopify API With Other Tools
Developers can use various tools and libraries to interact with the Shopify API, including Postman, Python, Ruby, and other programming languages.
Postman
Postman is a popular tool for testing and debugging API requests. With Postman, developers can create API requests, organize them into collections, and run them in a test environment. Postman also supports authentication methods such as API keys, access tokens, and OAuth.
Python
Python is a versatile programming language that is widely used for web development and data analysis. There are several Python libraries available for interacting with the Shopify API, including PyShopify, ShopifyAPI, and shopify_python_api.
Here is an example of using PyShopify to retrieve a list of products:
from pyshopify import Shopify
shop_url = "https://{shop_name}.myshopify.com"
api_key = "{api_key}"
api_secret = "{api_secret}"
shopify = Shopify(shop_url, api_key, api_secret)
products = shopify.Products().get()
print(products)
Ruby
Ruby is a popular programming language for web development and server-side scripting. There are several Ruby gems available for interacting with the API, including shopify_api, ShopifyApp, and ActiveResource.
Here is an example of using shopify_api to retrieve a list of products:
require 'shopify_api'
ShopifyAPI::Base.site = 'https://{shop_name}.myshopify.com/admin'
ShopifyAPI::Base.api_version = '2021-07'
ShopifyAPI::Base.headers = { 'X-Shopify-Access-Token' => '{access_token}' }
products = ShopifyAPI::Product.all
puts products.inspect
Building Shopify Apps
Shopify API enables developers to build custom Shopify apps that can extend the functionality of the Shopify platform. Shopify apps can be used to provide additional features or services to Shopify merchants, such as inventory management, shipping, and order tracking.
To build a Shopify app, developers need to follow these steps:
1. Create a partner account: To build a Shopify app, developers need to create a partner account on the Shopify Partners website. This account allows developers to access the API, documentation, and other resources.
2. Register the app: After creating a partner account, developers need to register their app with Shopify. This involves providing basic information about the app, such as the app name, description, and website.
3. Choose an app type: There are two types of Shopify apps: public and custom. Public apps are available to all Shopify merchants and can be listed in the Shopify App Store. Custom apps are built for specific merchants and are not available to the public.
4. Build the app: Once the app is registered and the app type is selected, developers can start building the app. Shopify provides various tools and libraries to help developers build Shopify apps, including the platform’s API, Shopify SDK, and Shopify CLI.
5. Test the app: After building the app, developers need to test it to ensure it works as intended. Shopify provides a testing environment where developers can test their app without affecting real Shopify data.
6. Submit the app: After testing the app, developers can submit it to Shopify for review. The review process ensures that the app meets Shopify’s guidelines and provides a good user experience for merchants.
7. Launch the app: Once the app is approved, developers can launch it in the Shopify App Store or make it available to specific merchants.
Shopify API: Wrapping Up
The API of Shopify provides a powerful and flexible way to interact with the Shopify platform. With Shopify API, developers can build custom apps, integrate with third-party tools, and automate various tasks. To use Shopify API effectively, developers need to understand the different authentication methods, choose the right tools and libraries, and follow best practices for building Shopify apps. With these skills and knowledge, developers can unlock the full potential of the Shopify platform and provide valuable services to Shopify merchants.
Read More:
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