Shopify Functions—A New Era To Customize BackEnd Logic

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Shopify has more than a million businesses globally and hundreds of millions of buyers visiting them. There are Shopify subscription apps, membership apps, etc., for merchants to try, and Shopify itself works to improve their experience. One of those improvements came in the form of Shopify functions. It’s a radical way to create a unique eCommerce experience by allowing merchants to inject custom code into the backend and meet demands better. They have all the flexibility and none of the hassle and are something every merchant needs to take a crack at.

What Are Shopify Functions?

Merchants can essentially install the functions and configure them from their admin dashboard without touching the code line. However, Shopify felt it could do more for the businesses on its platform and opened up the backend. This enables developers to replace, extend or add new lines of code in the backend logic for a custom one.

Shopify functions provide the flexibility of open source and don’t require hosting or managing the code. They also automatically update as they run on Shopify’s infrastructure. The code keeps performing its critical path, stays on the upgrade path, and won’t slow down during internet-downing major sales, such as Black Friday, where customers spent a record $9.2 billion in 2022.

email from Shopify opened on the phone

Why Introduce Functions In The First Place?

Shopify started offering Shopify Scripts discounts, payments, and shipping, which increased the average order value but was limited to the merchants on Shopify Plus. In addition, end users needed to be well-versed in Ruby code. Functions were introduced to overcome the challenges. They are available to all merchants and not just those on Shopify Plus. Moreover, they are installed with an app and are sold in the Shopify store.

It has increased the addressable market for backend customizations and made them easier to use. Functions are well-structured, so those without coding experience don’t need to touch the code if they wish. Instead, they can download them from the app store.

How Do Shopify Functions Work?

Shopify functions are a unique architectural element, but they will work differently for developers who customize and add the code and merchants who use it on the front end.

For Developers

Developers can write a function in any language to add or replace code, but the language they pick must comply with WebAssembly. They will then have to build a user interface with React and AppBridge. The developers who want to work in their local environment can later utilize the Shopify CLI to add it to the function. They don’t need to copy-paste the code from one page to another because once it’s added to the function, it will be distributed throughout the app.

adding personal code in the Shopify function code

For Merchants

Merchants only need to install the app that has the modified function, and they can configure it in the Shopify admin. They can access any discounts, payment methods, and shipping functions next to the out-of-box settings visible on the admin.

The Methodology

Shopify functions are like typical functions where one must define an input, write the logic, and define the output. Here’s how they work:

Input

The input of the function is the subset of Cart API and must be written as the GraphQL query. The function must also have query metafields, so it can store the necessary data and retrieve it when needed. You can store up to 128 values in a metafield list.

Logic

The foundation logic can be written in any language that compiles with WebAssembly. It will use WASI to ensure that merchants and buyers experience a low latency experience.

Output

The function’s output must conform the GraphQL schema to a domain. More information on the specific schemas is present in Shopify’s Functions API reference.

Lifecycle of Shopify Function

The lifecycle of the functions begins with its development, where an app developer will create an app with a certain function and then deploy it for merchants. Merchants can then install the app and configure it to create an API call. When a consumer comes to the Shopify store and clicks on the features, Shopify will execute the function.

For example, it can include an app that defines a new discount type. Merchants can then install it and offer the discount to their consumers. When the platform executes the function, the discount will be calculated automatically when the customer adds the product to their cart. The functions are never invoked by the URL, but when they’re needed in the customer’s journey.

The functions can be distributed as public apps like the Appstle Subscriptions app to eligible merchants on the Shopify store. The platform releases Function APIs to merchants on Shopify Plus. The custom apps have functions specifically designed for merchants to provide a better experience and generate more revenue.

A man signing up on Shopify

Want To Provide An Amazing Subscriber Experience on Your Shopify Store?

Shopify functions are a powerful new way to customize an already amazing platform. But with millions of brands on Shopify, the competition is intense. In addition to Shopify functions, you should leverage apps like Appstle Subscriptions, a membership and subscription app for Shopify.

Appstle℠ Subscriptions and Loyalty is ranked as the best subscription app in Shopify. Thousands of merchants use it for its robust solutions and features. Merchants can offer their consumers traditional and customizable subscription packages and drive conversion. It’s also easy to scale up, and you can add modern payment methods.

Install the app today or visit Appstle’s website to learn more about their suite of solutions.

About The Author

The author works with businesses that operate through Shopify. He focuses on customizing retention strategies for businesses worldwide and improving their conversion rate. He is always on the lookout for new apps and features that they can use to offer a better shopping experience and increase brand loyalty among consumers.