You need Node.js, npm, Shopify CLI, a Shopify Partner account, and basic knowledge of React/Node.js. The development environment should be set up with a secure HTTPS connection.
Use Shopify CLI to create a development store and run 'shopify serve' command. This creates a tunnel allowing you to test your app in a development environment with hot-reloading.
App Bridge is a library that enables apps to interact with Shopify features, providing UI components and APIs for seamless integration with the Shopify Admin interface.
Use OAuth 2.0 flow with Shopify's authentication endpoints. Implement session tokens and verify hmac signatures to ensure secure communication between your app and Shopify.
Webhooks are HTTP callbacks that notify your app when specific events occur in a shop. Register webhooks using the Admin API and implement endpoint handlers to process the incoming data.
Use the GraphQL Admin API client provided by Shopify. Authenticate requests using access tokens and construct queries/mutations to interact with shop data.
Public apps are listed in the Shopify App Store and can be installed by any merchant. Custom apps are specific to one merchant and require direct installation through the partner dashboard.
Implement recurring billing using Shopify's Billing API. Define plans, create subscription links, and handle webhooks for successful/failed charges.
Always validate requests, use HTTPS, implement proper session management, secure API endpoints, and follow Shopify's security guidelines for data handling and storage.
Choose a hosting platform (Heroku, AWS, etc.), set up environment variables, configure SSL certificates, and update the app URLs in your Shopify Partner dashboard.