Build Optimised Custom Storefronts with Shopify Hydrogen & Oxygen

Building dynamic ecommerce stores with unparalleled speed will become the new standard thanks to Shopify Hydrogen. It is founded upon React and JavaScript with additional toolkits and components that make it far more convenient to create custom storefronts from the ground up. Bringing React and JavaScript to the centre of the Shopify ecosystem to join Shopify Liquid is a significant move.

Previously, any native Shopify store was only limited to the existing Shopify tech stack. This made it exceptionally challenging to establish truly unique online experiences due to Liquid’s rigid structure. But the introduction of Shopify Hydrogen unleashes a plethora of development opportunities for developers. That’s because React is the most popular open-source project for creating cutting-edge web applications. This means React developers significantly outnumber Shopify Liquid developers and there’ll be numerous new avenues for creative work.

As part of a new suite of developer tools, there will also be new GitHub integration so you can continuously pull changes to themes. This allows for better collaboration with native support for version control and also streamlines workflow implementation so that changes can be reviewed and merged on GitHub before application to a live theme. Furthermore, collaboration with your team and clients improves because GitHub synchronisation enables preview link sharing from local servers without the need for manual synching or sending zip files.

You can also leverage a range of Shopify elements including cart, variant picker, and the media library among others on Hydrogen. All of these elements will seamlessly integrate with the platform, helping you to make notable time and money savings. Shopify Hydrogen and Oxygen also deliver extensive flexibility that enables merchants to store data in one centralised location. As a result, data retrieval is easier, which facilitates enhanced customisation and functionality.

Here’s a quick summary of the most exciting features of the soon to be released Shopify Hydrogen and Oxygen solutions.

• Greater freedom and flexibility to create custom Shopify stores with speed and ease.
• Built on React and JavaScript to alleviate previous limitations and enable the creation of even more dynamic storefronts.
• The addition of a “Hydrogen channel” for a direct GitHub connection that facilitates collaboration.
• The use of react router, similar to React projects.
• Shipping through Tailwind CSS.
• Ability to preview alterations in GitHub prior to going live.

As you can see, Shopify Hydrogen and Oxygen will be packed with advanced features and functionality that’ll extend the capabilities of developers to create fast, dynamic global storefronts. The solutions are music to the ears of store owners too as they will soon be able to deliver original digital experiences that help brands to stand out in a fiercely competitive ecommerce landscape.