How to integrate Bubble.io with Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide

Integrating Bubble.io with Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Integrating Bubble.io with Shopify can unlock a powerful combination of custom web applications and e-commerce features. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of integrating these two platforms effectively.

 

Prerequisites

 

• A Bubble.io account and project already set up where you plan to integrate Shopify.
• An active Shopify store with API access enabled.
• Basic understanding of using APIs and webhooks.
• Familiarity with using plugins and workflows in Bubble.io.

 

Understanding the Integration

 

• Bubble.io is a no-code platform that allows you to build web applications visually. It provides capabilities to interact with external APIs.
• Shopify provides a robust API that enables external applications to interact with store data, such as products, orders, and customers.

 

Setting Up Shopify API Access

 

• Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
• Navigate to Apps and click on Develop apps.
• Select Create an App and name your app (e.g., Bubble Integration).
• Under the API credentials section, assign the necessary scopes you will need for your Bubble application (e.g., read_products, write_orders).
• After setting the scopes, you will receive the API key and API secret key. Store these safely, as you will need them for authentication in Bubble.io.
• You may also need the access token if working with private apps.

 

Configuring Bubble.io to Interact with Shopify

 

• Open your Bubble.io project where you want the Shopify integration.
• Go to the Plugins tab and click on Add Plugins.
• Search for API Connector and install it.
• Once installed, open the API Connector plugin to create a new API connection.

 

Setting Up API Calls in Bubble.io

 

• Inside the API Connector, click on Add another API, and name it (e.g., Shopify API).
• Add a new API call for each Shopify endpoint you intend to use. For example, to fetch products, you might set up a GET request to the `/admin/api/2021-07/products.json` endpoint.
• Configure the request by specifying:
• HTTP Method: GET, POST, etc., depending on the interaction type.
• URL: The endpoint of Shopify API that you are requesting.
• Headers: Use the format `Authorization: Bearer `.
• After configuring your call, click Initialize call to test the integration. Bubble will show you the results and let you define the expected data type.

 

Creating Workflows in Bubble.io

 

• Return to your Bubble app's design properties and navigate to Workflows.
• Set up actions based on events, such as triggering API calls when a button is clicked (e.g., Fetch Products) or when a page loads.
• Utilize the data returned from Shopify to update your Bubble app's UI dynamically, like displaying product lists or handling order updates.

 

Handling Data and Webhooks

 

• If you want real-time updates from Shopify, consider setting up webhooks in Shopify that notify Bubble when certain events happen (e.g., an order is created or a product is updated).
• In your Shopify admin, go to Settings, select Notifications, and configure webhooks to POST data to a Bubble endpoint URL.
• Create new API workflows in Bubble that trigger upon receiving data from Shopify’s webhooks.

 

Testing and Deployment

 

• Preview your Bubble app to test the integration connections such as viewing live product information or processing orders directly from Bubble.
• Ensure each API call is functioning as intended and handling error responses effectively.
• Check any manual inputs for your Shopify credentials and access tokens to ensure they are stored securely and not exposed in your app logic.
• When satisfied with your integration, proceed to deploy your Bubble app.

 

By following these steps, you can successfully integrate Bubble.io with Shopify, allowing you to extend the functionality of your Bubble applications through Shopify’s powerful e-commerce features. This integration unlocks significant potential for tailored web apps that leverage the best of both platforms.