Embracing Collaboration: Harnessing the Power of Git on Shopify through a Private App

Muhammad Umer Shaikh
3 min readJul 30, 2023

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Introduction:

In the fast-paced world of web development, efficiency and collaboration are paramount. For Shopify store owners and developers, incorporating Git, a robust version control system, can be a game-changer. By using Git in tandem with a Shopify Private App, we can streamline our workflow, enhance teamwork, and ensure the utmost control over our theme development. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll embark on a journey to integrate Git seamlessly into your Shopify store.

Step 1: Create a Private App in Shopify

  1. First things first, let’s log in to your Shopify admin dashboard — your gateway to endless possibilities!
  2. Head over to “Apps” and gracefully click on “Manage private apps” at the bottom of the page.
  3. A new page welcomes you with open arms — “Create a new private app” is your next stop.
  4. Pour your heart into the details, like the app’s name and permissions required. A heartfelt Read access for “Products,” “Themes,” and “Script tags” should suffice for our version control needs.
  5. Save your creation, and your private app takes its first breath of life.

Step 2: Embrace Shopify Theme Kit

  1. Shopify Theme Kit is the key to unlocking the door to seamless theme management through version control. Install this magical tool on your local machine by following the lovingly crafted instructions on the Shopify Theme Kit documentation (https://shopify.dev/themes/tools/theme-kit).

Step 3: Clone Your Shopify Theme

  1. In the comfort of your terminal or command prompt, navigate to the destination you have envisioned for your Shopify theme files.
  2. Open your arms wide and embrace your theme with this command:
theme download --password=[YOUR_PRIVATE_APP_PASSWORD] --store=[YOUR_SHOPIFY_STORE_URL] --themeid=[THEME_ID]

Make sure to replace [YOUR_PRIVATE_APP_PASSWORD], [YOUR_SHOPIFY_STORE_URL], and [THEME_ID] with your private app password, Shopify store URL, and theme ID, respectively.

Step 4: Craft Your Git Repository

  1. Let’s set up a cozy Git repository inside your lovingly cloned Shopify theme directory with this magical incantation:
git init

2. With a smile on your face, add all the theme files to your Git repository:

git add .

3. Seal your love with a meaningful message as you commit the files to the repository:

git commit -m "Initial commit"

Step 5: Unleash Your Creativity and Push to Shopify

  1. Let your creativity flow as you make wondrous changes to your theme files.
  2. When you’re ready to share your masterpiece with the world, spread your wings and fly with this enchanting command:
git add .  // Add any new files
git commit -m "Your commit message here" // Commit your changes locally
git push origin master // Push your changes to the remote repository on ShopifyWatch your changes gracefully dance on your Shopify store.

Watch your changes gracefully dance on your Shopify store.

Step 6: Embrace the Symphony of Collaboration

  1. In this harmonious world of teamwork, it’s essential to synchronize with the contributions of others.
  2. Embrace the changes made by your fellow teammates or developers with open arms through this heartwarming command:
git fetch origin master  // Fetch the latest changes from the remote repository on Shopify
git pull origin master // Merge the fetched changes with your local repositoryConclusion:

Conclusion:

As we journeyed together through the integration of Git with Shopify via a Private App, we’ve uncovered the beauty of collaboration and control. With Git as our guiding star, we can navigate the path of theme development with ease, knowing that every change is harmoniously orchestrated and safely stored. May this newfound synergy lead us to greater heights in our web development endeavors. Happy coding and happy collaborating!

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Muhammad Umer Shaikh
Muhammad Umer Shaikh

Written by Muhammad Umer Shaikh

I'm a seasoned software engineer with over 8 years of industry experience. My expertise spans both front-end and back-end development.

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