Breaking new ground

The modern way of app development

Illustration of a smartphone with a user interface, depicted in minimalist blue and white tones, on a dark blue background with floating square shapes.

The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving - are you keeping up?

Change is in Shopware's DNA. As a core value, issuing and living "visionary" means allowing the community to stay one step ahead of the competition. In other words, grow more accessible, faster, and sustainably!

What is the app system?

Shopware Cloud needs a different kind of extension than we have known. A sort of extension that can be run securely in a multi-tenant environment. That's why the App System was invented. Although it was designed for this purpose, it is not limited to Shopware Cloud. In short, the App System outsources the business logic of an extension to an external system, which the App System-based app vendor controls. All communication with Shopware is done via webhooks and the API. Since Shopware 6.4.8.0, you can now use App Scripting and have even more possibilities.

Watch our video for a quick explanation

Private Apps

Apps like plugins can also be distributed via the Shopware Community Store. However, extensions are often customer or project specific. In these cases, you can use the private app feature, which allows you to add features via the app system for selected stores only. This also works in Shopware Cloud and will enable you to create highly customized experiences.

Screenshot of a developer console with a script view showing the code for a custom media extension. A navigation menu with various debug options is visible on the left, while the main area shows detailed code and its output.

App Scripting

Now apps are even more powerful: With App Scripts, you can create richer extensions that integrate deeply with Shopware. You can now also include code in your apps - which runs securely, easily, and maintainable in Shopware Cloud and Shopware self-hosted. Even shopping cart modifications are possible now, and, e.g., sophisticated functionalities like "product bundles" can be created via apps. Load additional data from the database and extend your possibilities in the storefront. App Scripts are also handy for using different APIs: they allow you to create custom admin or storefront endpoints. Learn more in the Shopware-Docs.

A new chapter!

For all we know today, a big part of the future will be in the cloud. To be a part of it, we must change how we work and do business. You're moving from an extension manufacturer to a service provider. But you can start slowly - with a few private apps for selected customers.

Person writing program code on a laptop, next to a smartphone. At the top right is a symbol with cogwheels representing "Settings".

Sooner rather than later, you will realize the full potential of App System-based apps. And as you learn about the app system and its new possibilities, it will continue to evolve. By being part of this process as soon as possible, you'll be shaping the future of the App System, us as Shopware, and yourself. We need curious people like you who feel deeply connected to the Shopware ecosystem and are ready to shape the app universe together with us.

Thumbnail of Jisse Reitsma conducting a training course on app development.

App Training with Jisse Reitsma

"Some topics are great for getting started and serve as a step-by-step guide; others depend on the app development you want to do yourself and therefore belong more to a kind of app cookbook."

That's how Jisse describes this comprehensive app training for Shopware Apps, from short and understandable videos. Many hours of material have been created for beginners and professionals who want to get started with app development. Whether about the manifest.xml or the use of webhooks - in five main topics, Jisse Reitsma leads all interested parties to develop Shopware Apps.

Start your journey now!

What is the Plugin-System?

The Shopware 6 plugin system is designed to extend and customize a self-hosted Shopware shop. This system acts within Shopware, which means: The extension becomes part of the application and can thus intervene very profoundly in the Shopware processes and modules. This has many advantages for the individualization of a self-hosted store. The plugin system, therefore, continues to exist alongside the app system.