How to Build a Shopify App Using Node.js

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Embedded Shopify Apps with Node.js, OAuth, and Admin API

Shopify apps extend the capabilities of stores with custom functionality. If you're a developer looking to build a Shopify app with Node.js, this guide walks you through setting up your app using Shopify CLI, OAuth authentication, and API integrations.

Step 1: Prerequisites

🧰 Node.js ≥ v16.x installed
🛠️ Shopify CLI: npm install -g @shopify/cli
💻 Partner account + development store
🔐 ngrok or Cloudflare Tunnel for secure HTTPS dev link

Step 2: Scaffold a New App

shopify app create node

This generates a full Node.js + Express backend with Polaris and App Bridge for the frontend. It includes built-in OAuth, Shopify API logic, and UI templates.

Step 3: Configure App in Partner Dashboard

🔗 Set your app URL to use the ngrok domain (e.g., https://xyz.ngrok.io)
📦 Update API key, secret, and scopes in .env
🧭 Whitelist redirect URIs for OAuth flow

Step 4: Implement OAuth Authentication

Shopify requires secure OAuth2 authentication to access store data. This is auto-configured in the generated app but here’s how it works:

🔐 App sends user to Shopify’s OAuth screen
📄 After approval, Shopify redirects with code + shop params
🔁 App exchanges this for a permanent access token
🔒 Token is used to call Shopify Admin API securely

Step 5: Make Shopify API Calls

Use the access token to fetch store data. Example using GraphQL:

const client = new shopify.api.clients.Graphql({
  session: session
});

const query = `{
  shop {
    name
    email
  }
}`;

await client.query({ data: query });

Step 6: Deploy Your Shopify App

🚀 Use Render, Vercel, or Heroku for backend hosting
📄 Point Shopify App URL to your deployed domain
🔁 Test embedded behavior inside a store via iframe

Conclusion

With Node.js and Shopify CLI, building embedded Shopify apps is now faster and more standardized. You can automate workflows, build dashboards, sync data, or create store-specific tools that scale. Once ready, submit your app for review or use it privately for custom clients.

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