Connecting to the Shopify API using Node.js opens up a wide range of possibilities for building apps, automating store operations, and creating real-time integrations with Shopify stores. As Shopify continues to grow as a leading eCommerce platform, developers are increasingly building apps and services to extend Shopify’s capabilities.

At CartCoders, we specialize in building solutions that integrate directly with Shopify. In this guide, we’ll break down how you can set up a Node.js environment to securely connect and interact with the Shopify API.

Whether you’re building a public app for the Shopify App Store or a private integration for a specific client, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you understand what’s required and how each part fits together.

Let’s get started.

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Connect Shopify API Using Node.js

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What Is Shopify API and Why Should You Connect It with Node.js?

Shopify provides APIs (REST and GraphQL) that allow developers to interact with store data such as products, orders, inventory, customers, and more. This data access makes it possible to create powerful apps, automate business workflows, and build integrations between Shopify and third-party systems.

Node.js is one of the most popular choices for handling Shopify API requests because:

  • It handles asynchronous tasks efficiently
  • It’s widely used in building server-side applications
  • The ecosystem includes mature libraries for HTTP requests, OAuth, and session handling

By connecting the Shopify API to Node.js, you can build scalable apps that interact with Shopify in real time.

Also Read: Shopify’s Python API Integration

Prerequisites Before Starting Shopify API Integration

Prerequisites Before Starting Shopify API Integration

Before writing any code, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A Shopify Partner account
  • A development store created through the Partner Dashboard
  • Node.js and npm are installed on your machine
  • An app created via the Shopify admin or the Partner Dashboard
  • API Key, Secret, and (if needed) access token

If your goal involves building a Shopify third-party API integration, having these essentials in place will help you connect external services or applications to your Shopify store through a secure and reliable setup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Shopify API with Node.js

Here’s how you can connect Node.js with the Shopify API using REST.

Step 1: Initialize a Node.js Project

Create a new project folder and install dependencies.

bash

mkdir shopify-api-node
cd shopify-api-node
npm init -y

Install the required packages:

bash

npm install express axios dotenv
  • Web framework to create routes
  • axios: HTTP client to send requests to Shopify
  • dotenv: To manage environment variables securely

Step 2: Create and Configure Environment Variables

Inside the root folder, create a .env file:

.env

ini

SHOPIFY_API_KEY=your_api_key
SHOPIFY_API_SECRET=your_api_secret
SHOPIFY_STORE_URL=your-store.myshopify.com
SHOPIFY_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_access_token

Do not expose these credentials in your code. Use environment variables to keep sensitive data secure.

Step 3: Set Up the Basic Express Server

Create index.js and set up a basic server.

index.js

javascript

require('dotenv').config();
const express = require('express');
const axios = require('axios');
const app = express();
const PORT = 3000;
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.send('Shopify API with Node.js');
});
app.listen(PORT, () => {
  console.log(`Server is running on http://localhost:${PORT}`);
});

Visit http://localhost:3000 to confirm the server is working.

Step 4: Fetch Data from Shopify API (e.g., Products)

Now, add a new route to fetch products from Shopify using the REST API.

javascript

app.get('/products', async (req, res) => {
  const url = https://${process.env.SHOPIFY_STORE_URL}/admin/api/2023-10/products.json`;
  try {
    const response = await axios.get(url, {
      headers: {
        'X-Shopify-Access-Token': process.env.SHOPIFY_ACCESS_TOKEN,
        'Content-Type': 'application/json',
      },
    });
    res.json(response.data);
  } catch (err) {
    console.error('Error:', err.response.data);
    res.status(500).send('Failed to fetch products');
  }
});

Now, visiting http://localhost:3000/products should return your Shopify store’s product list.

Working with Shopify Webhooks in Node.js

Working with Shopify Webhooks in Node.js

If your app needs to respond to store events (like order creation or product updates), use Shopify webhooks.

Here’s an example of a webhook endpoint:

javascript

app.post('/webhooks/orders/create', express.json(), (req, res) => {
  const orderData = req.body;
  console.log('New Order:', orderData);
  res.status(200).send('Webhook received');
});

You’ll need to register this webhook via the Shopify admin or API.

Shopify API + Node.js Made Simple

Follow our step-by-step guide to set up secure, real-time store connections.

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Best Practices for Shopify API Authentication

Authentication is critical when building apps that connect to the Shopify API. There are two approaches:

If you’re building a public app:

  • Redirect users to Shopify’s authorization page
  • Receive a code from Shopify
  • Exchange it for a permanent access token

Always verify request integrity using HMAC signatures.

Benefits of Shopify API Integration with Node.js

Integrating Shopify API with Node.js offers a reliable and scalable solution for businesses that want to manage store data, automate workflows, and build custom applications. Below are the key advantages:

1. Real-Time Data Handling

Node.js is well-suited for handling asynchronous operations, allowing your application to interact with Shopify’s API without delay. This is especially useful for pulling live product data, managing inventory, or processing customer information on demand.

2. Automation of Routine Operations

Node.js enables the automation of repetitive tasks such as order fulfillment, inventory updates, customer tagging, and shipping notifications. This reduces manual work and helps improve accuracy and consistency across your store operations.

3. Secure API Communication

Security is a priority when working with Shopify’s API. Node.js supports secure protocols and works efficiently with OAuth authentication, allowing you to build trusted and authorized connections between your application and Shopify.

4. Scalable Architecture

Node.js uses a non-blocking, event-driven model that supports a large number of simultaneous API requests. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses with growing traffic or complex app workflows that require real-time responses. As your Shopify app grows, a well-planned Node.js development approach can help maintain speed and stability.

5. Flexibility for Custom Features and Integrations

Whether you’re building a public Shopify app or a private tool for internal use, Node.js allows for flexibility in design and functionality. It supports various use cases, including admin dashboards, storefront apps, and custom Shopify third-party API integration.

6. Real-Time Webhook Handling

Webhooks are essential for staying informed about store events like order creation, customer signups, or product changes. Node.js is capable of listening to and processing these webhooks in real time, allowing you to take immediate action based on store activity.

Common Use Cases for Shopify API with Node.js

Here’s how businesses and developers use this setup:

CartCoders has worked on similar projects where syncing Shopify with external platforms helped clients reduce manual work and increase accuracy.

Troubleshooting and Tips

  • Always handle API rate limits (Shopify allows 2 calls per second for REST)
  • Use pagination to fetch large product catalogs
  • Log all API errors for debugging
  • Keep access tokens safe and never expose them in front-end code
  • Stay updated with Shopify’s latest API version

CartCoders is Your Go-To Shopify Development Partner

Want to build a Shopify app or automate your store backend? CartCoders, a trusted Shopify development company, delivers custom solutions using the Shopify API and Node.js.

As a reliable Shopify development partner, we help businesses create scalable apps and integrations tailored to their operations. Whether you need private integration or a full-featured app, our Shopify app development services are designed to match your goals.

Get in touch with CartCoders to kickstart your project.

Conclusion

Connecting your Node.js app to Shopify’s API opens up many possibilities—from automation to full app development. With a reliable setup, you can build everything from simple order notifiers to complete back-office solutions.

If you’re a developer building a Shopify integration or a business looking for a custom solution, this guide provides the foundation to start building.

Categorized in:

Shopify Integration