Are you using the GraphiQL Explorer on your development store? It is crucial. Also if you haven't already got a handle on GraphQL in general, I would recommend that before continuing to struggle with trial and error attempts. You should understand how GraphQL schema's are constructed, and how variables, arguments and fragments work in GQL. I will agree that the descriptions of some of the query/mutations on Shopify are simple and perhaps even vague at times. It's not just you, I was struggling when I first started with it but after implementing graphql in one of my own personal projects outside the scope of Shopify, everything clicked. As far as the Shopify docs, it's just practice and working with the GraphiQL Explorer unfortunately! Maybe check out Stacking Context. His tutorials are stellar. Not sure if there's a GraphQL specific one, but his content is great for general Shopify app development. Helped me a lot! https://youtube.com/@stackingcontext?si=hdTopTn-pAoZABtv Answer from briandavies7 on reddit.com
Shopify
shopify.dev › docs › api
Shopify API, libraries, and tools
Use the Payments Apps API to manage user account data including payments, refunds, and more. ... Use Shopify Function APIs to customize the backend logic that powers parts of Shopify.
Shopify
shopify.dev › docs
Shopify Dev Docs
Q&A and advice from Shopify community experts · Product announcements, API updates, tips, and more#### @ShopifyDevs on Twitter -> Product announcements, API updates, tips, and more · The latest Shopify ecosystem updates#### Developer Changelog -> The latest Shopify ecosystem updates ·
Why Is Shopify API So Confusing? Better Resources for GraphQL Technical Details and Business Logic?
Are you using the GraphiQL Explorer on your development store? It is crucial. Also if you haven't already got a handle on GraphQL in general, I would recommend that before continuing to struggle with trial and error attempts. You should understand how GraphQL schema's are constructed, and how variables, arguments and fragments work in GQL. I will agree that the descriptions of some of the query/mutations on Shopify are simple and perhaps even vague at times. It's not just you, I was struggling when I first started with it but after implementing graphql in one of my own personal projects outside the scope of Shopify, everything clicked. As far as the Shopify docs, it's just practice and working with the GraphiQL Explorer unfortunately! Maybe check out Stacking Context. His tutorials are stellar. Not sure if there's a GraphQL specific one, but his content is great for general Shopify app development. Helped me a lot! https://youtube.com/@stackingcontext?si=hdTopTn-pAoZABtv More on reddit.com
22
10
January 20, 2025Access to Shopify API from External Web App
This question might have been asked before, but I’m finding it difficult to glue the pieces of information together in the shopify docs. I’m building a marketplace for businesses, and was hoping to allow my sellers to connect their Shopify stores / upload their products to my marketplace. More on community.shopify.com
0
December 27, 2023API to connect partner shop to marketplace
Have you tried Linx? https://linx.software Below is a generic REST API connector to Shopify (sample). Once connected you can easily extend your logic and move your data accordingly. https://github.com/linx-software/shopify-api-integration or check out their shopify integration tutorial https://community.linx.software/community/t/shopify-integration/506 More on reddit.com
3
5
July 14, 2021Where to find cart ID to use storefront API ?
To keep this community relevant to the Shopify community, store reviews and external blog links will be removed. Users soliciting sales in any form will result in a permanent ban. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com
4
7
December 15, 2021Videos
10:10
What is Shopify API & How To Build An App, Seriously - YouTube
11:14
How to Create Products Using Shopify Admin API - JavaScript - Node ...
03:05
How to get Shopify API Key - YouTube
17:27
How to Use the Shopify API and Make GraphQL Requests - YouTube
13:14
How To Make API Calls For Shopify The Right Way - YouTube
08:18
How to Make a Shopify API Request - YouTube
Shopify
shopify.com › partners › blog › topics › shopify-api
Shopify API | Ecommerce tips & how tos - Shopify
Read posts about Shopify API on Ecommerce Marketing Blog - Ecommerce News, Online Store Tips & More. Interact with a community of savvy online store owners.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/shopifydev › why is shopify api so confusing? better resources for graphql technical details and business logic?
r/shopifyDev on Reddit: Why Is Shopify API So Confusing? Better Resources for GraphQL Technical Details and Business Logic?
January 20, 2025 -
Hi everyone,
I'm currently working on an automated refund process and found myself diving into the Shopify API again. Honestly, I’m baffled by how difficult it is to navigate the documentation, especially with the transition from REST to GraphQL.
The lack of clarity and structure makes it really frustrating to get things done efficiently. It feels like the documentation doesn’t fully explain not just the functionality but also the business logic behind the endpoints.
Am I the only one feeling this way? Have you faced similar challenges?
Also, do you know of any additional resources (blogs, videos, forums, or anything else) that provide better explanations or insights into both the technical and business aspects of the Shopify API?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!
Top answer 1 of 4
6
Are you using the GraphiQL Explorer on your development store? It is crucial. Also if you haven't already got a handle on GraphQL in general, I would recommend that before continuing to struggle with trial and error attempts. You should understand how GraphQL schema's are constructed, and how variables, arguments and fragments work in GQL. I will agree that the descriptions of some of the query/mutations on Shopify are simple and perhaps even vague at times. It's not just you, I was struggling when I first started with it but after implementing graphql in one of my own personal projects outside the scope of Shopify, everything clicked. As far as the Shopify docs, it's just practice and working with the GraphiQL Explorer unfortunately! Maybe check out Stacking Context. His tutorials are stellar. Not sure if there's a GraphQL specific one, but his content is great for general Shopify app development. Helped me a lot! https://youtube.com/@stackingcontext?si=hdTopTn-pAoZABtv
2 of 4
2
I just implemented automated order fulfillments. I finally have it working, but man was I cursing the docs for a bit there. For me, the confusion came from the schema itself. For example, I found the docs for the fulfillmentCreate mutation, so I was trying to just pass an order id, a line item id, and a tracking number. But it turns out, they have this whole fulfillment orders structure you have to query for first in order to get special ids that need to be passed to fulfillmentCreate instead. I didn't find the page explaining this for some time, and I was pulling my hair out. I wish their docs would have some examples for common workflows like that.
ColorWhistle
colorwhistle.com › home › shopify api guide: what is an api, available types of shopify apis, and how to access shopify api?
A Complete Guide to Shopify APIs Types and Access
August 5, 2025 - Learn what APIs are and explore the different types of Shopify APIs available. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to access and use Shopify APIs for custom app development in Shopify Plus
GitHub
github.com › Shopify › shopify_python_api
GitHub - Shopify/shopify_python_api: ShopifyAPI library allows Python developers to programmatically access the admin section of stores
ShopifyAPI library allows Python developers to programmatically access the admin section of stores - Shopify/shopify_python_api
Starred by 1.4K users
Forked by 386 users
Languages Python
Shopify
shopify.dev › docs › apps › build › authentication-authorization › access-tokens › generate-app-access-tokens-admin
Generate access tokens for custom apps in the Shopify admin
You can create a custom app for a store directly in the Shopify admin. To authenticate an admin-created custom app, you or the app user needs to install the app from the Shopify admin to generate API credentials and the necessary API access tokens.
GitHub
github.com › Shopify › shopify-api-ruby
GitHub - Shopify/shopify-api-ruby: ShopifyAPI is a lightweight gem for accessing the Shopify admin REST and GraphQL web services.
ShopifyAPI is a lightweight gem for accessing the Shopify admin REST and GraphQL web services. - Shopify/shopify-api-ruby
Starred by 1.1K users
Forked by 481 users
Languages Ruby
Shopify Community
community.shopify.com › retired boards › appdev › authentication
Access to Shopify API from External Web App
December 27, 2023 - This question might have been asked before, but I’m finding it difficult to glue the pieces of information together in the shopify docs. I’m building a marketplace for businesses, and was hoping to allow my sellers to c…
Shopify
shopify.com › legal › api-terms
Shopify API License and Terms of Use - Shopify
Shopify’s list of terms and conditions that apply to all users that access or use the Shopify API or any associated information or other data.
Medium
medium.com › @ecommercedeveloper24 › how-do-you-integrate-an-api-into-shopify-8cd1de43c289
How do you integrate an API into Shopify? | by ecommercedeveloper24 | Medium
May 18, 2023 - How do you integrate an API into Shopify? Integrating an API into a Shopify store typically involves creating a custom app, which can then interact with the API and add functionality to your store …
npm
npmjs.com › package › @shopify › shopify-api
@shopify/shopify-api - npm
4 weeks ago - Shopify API Library for Node - accelerate development with support for authentication, graphql proxy, webhooks. Latest version: 12.2.0, last published: 20 hours ago. Start using @shopify/shopify-api in your project by running `npm i ...
» npm install @shopify/shopify-api
Published Dec 11, 2025
Version 12.2.0
Author Shopify Inc.
Repository https://github.com/Shopify/shopify-app-js
Shopify
shopify.com › enterprise › blog › ecommerce-api
Types of Ecommerce APIs and How To Integrate Them (2025) - Shopify
October 3, 2025 - Storefront API (GraphQL): This API provides the tools to build headless commerce experiences, powering custom websites, mobile apps, and in-store displays. It has no request-count rate limit. Webhooks: These enable your systems to react in near-real time to events like new orders or product updates. Shopify requires mandatory webhook topics for apps distributed on the App Store to ensure compliance.
Oscprofessionals
oscprofessionals.com › home › blog › ultimate shopify api essential
The Complete Guide to Shopify API Integration
September 23, 2025 - A set of guidelines and procedures known as an API enables interaction and communication between various software programmes. Developers can create plugins, integrations, and applications that can communicate with a Shopify store using the Shopify ...
Address 34, Mantri House, 34, Cement Rd, Om Sai Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, 440010, Nagpur
GitHub
github.com › Shopify › shopify-api-php
GitHub - Shopify/shopify-api-php
This library provides support for PHP Shopify apps to access the Shopify Admin API, by making it easier to perform the following actions:
Starred by 452 users
Forked by 188 users
Languages PHP
Shopify Help Center
help.shopify.com › en › manual › shopify-flow › reference › actions › send-admin-api-request
Shopify Help Center | Send Admin API request
The Send Admin API request action allows you to perform actions using the Shopify GraphQL Admin API.
Chift
chift.eu › blog › shopify-api-integration-a-complete-overview
Shopify API integration: a complete overview | Chift Unified APIs
Easily retrieve Shopify orders and customer data and send them into your CRM or invoicing software to enable sales tracking, customer lifecycle management, or billing automation. Invoicing software Regulo uses our Unified Ecommerce API to connect to Shopify and other popular ecommerce platforms.
Shopify
apps.shopify.com › apiease-admin
APIEase: API & App Dev Agent - API & App Dev Solutions. Safe Storefront API Calls -... | Shopify App Store
API calls from your Shopify store or backend API workflows. APIEase provides the capability of multiple apps without custom app hosting. AI Assisted Solutions.
Shopify
help.shopify.com › en › partners › build-integrate › making-apps
Shopify Help Center | Building and monetizing apps with Shopify's APIs
Shopify's APIs allow you to integrate the Shopify platform with third-party software.
Quora
quora.com › How-do-Shopify-APIs-work
How do Shopify APIs work? - Quora
Answer: I remember the first time I looked under Shopify’s hood; I thought, “Okay, its an eCommerce platform… how complex could it be?” Fast forward a few projects later, and I can confidently say: Shopify’s APIs are way more elegant, powerful, and extensible than people give them ...