Top 5 Facts About Shopify API and Shopify Integration
Tags: programming, api, webdev
Published: 2022-06-07 08:05:33

To remain competitive, you need to keep your software solutions up-to-date with the latest eCommerce trends. This requires integrating your software with multiple eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, including Shopify, Amazon, Magento, WooCommerce, Etsy, eBay, and others.

By integrating your eCommerce software with [Shopify](https://www.shopify.com/), you can open a pool of opportunities for your business and offer advanced functionality to clients. This article explores some of the reasons why it makes sense to integrate your eCommerce software with this shopping platform. Also, you will get more detailed info related to the Shopify API. 

## API Meaning 

Application programming interface ([API](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/API)) is a set of definitions and protocols for building and integrating various applications and software.

APIs let your product or service communicate with other products and services without having to know the details of how they work.

Because APIs simplify how developers integrate new application components into existing architecture, they help business and IT teams work together more closely.

## Major Info About Shopify API

[Shopify API](https://api2cart.com/shopify-api/?utm_source=dev.to&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shopifyapin.kov) acts as an intermediary between Shopify and other programs, helping to establish a connection.

With the help of the Shopify API, eCommerce software vendors can access data associated with customers, orders, categories, and products from online stores built on this eCommerce platform. They can use this data to improve their software’s functions. 

The Shopify API has the following significant features:

- Shopify API supports two data-exchange formats: XML (Extensible Markup Language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation).
- The API accepts HTTP requests of the GET, POST, PUT and DELETE variety.
- The Shopify API supports the retrieval and manipulation of Order, Customer, Category, Product, and other entities. Each method has a purpose in fulfilling specific conditions.
- Shopify frequently makes changes to its API. Software vendors who have established Shopify integration must keep their software up-to-date with the API releases.
- Updates to the Shopify API can cause difficulties for developers, as there are issues with extracting data from the eCommerce platform.

## Why It is Beneficial to Integrate Your Software with Shopify

Shopify integration is the process of integrating eCommerce software with Shopify. There are many reasons why you should consider building this integration.

### Expand your client’s base

Shopify's platform powers more than three million eCommerce sites worldwide. Integrate your software with Shopify, and you can reach all of those online stores--potential clients for your service. Pitch your product after connecting with Shopify's advanced functionality, and you could end up with a steady stream of customers.

### Expand your software market share

Shopify has amassed a large customer base, with users worldwide in 175 countries. The company's popularity as an eCommerce platform stems from its wide reach and diverse customer base.

When you integrate Shopify with your existing eCommerce software, you can expand into the global market. This leads to a surge in your market share, which ultimately benefits the company’s revenue, returns on investment, and profits.

### Receive access to Shopify online store data

Shopify integration allows eCommerce software to access data from online stores on the Shopify platform. Such integration will allow the software to perform its core functions and provide advanced features for eCommerce store owners.

### Beat your competitors

If your competitors provide the required features of an eCommerce software to your clients, you may lose business. In order to combat this situation, add features to your software that will satisfy your clients' needs. The Shopify integration can help you achieve this.

### Increase your profits

As your business acquires more clients, it will expand its customer base and grow globally. This business growth will bring a high level of visibility and recognition to your business, which will ultimately lead to profits in the long term.

## How to Build Shopify Integration Fast?

The implementation of Shopify integration requires a variety of resources, including time and money, in order to establish it. Additionally, there are costs involved at every stage of the process, whether it's hiring specialized developers, setting up infrastructure, developing integrations, and then ensuring that the maintenance and upgrades are carried out seamlessly.

You can try to develop the integration with Shopify API with the help of your developers’ team, or you can hire freelance developers. In case you want to try to save your money and time and don’t care about the further support of the integration, you can use some third-party integration service like, for example, API2Cart.