In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page are joined by Dylan Pierce, founder of Verdict Software and a fraud expert, who helps determine if the hosts are "imposters." Dylan details his journey to creating the Shopify app Real ID, which uses deeper verification to combat false positives, deter "friendly fraud," and help merchants win chargebacks, emphasizing how Shopify Flow is essential for building custom fraud rules, such as ID verification for specific items in certain regions.
The conversation also covers Dylan's technical preference for Node in a mono-repo architecture, the threat of AI-driven spoofing and the need for digital IDs, how Claude's "Plan Mode" has dramatically increased productivity, and the latest Shopify Changelog updates, including the new Admin Intents API.
Find Dylan Online
Website: https://dylanjpierce.com/
Verdict: https://getverdict.com/
Real ID Shopify App: https://apps.shopify.com/real-id
Twitter(X): https://x.com/ctrlaltdylan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanpierce/
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Welcome and Introduction of Fraud Expert Dylan Pierce
09:00 Dylan’s Background in Fraud Detection at RVshare
11:35 Tiny House?
13:40 Tech Stack and Language Preferences
15:20 Real ID vs. Shopify's Fraud Analysis
19:30 False Positives and the Black Box of Shopify's Fraud System
26:15 Digital IDs and the Future of AI Spoofing
28:20 Managing Multiple Apps with a Mono-Repo and AWS
33:00 Thoughts on Shopify's Next-Gen Dev Platform
38:50 Using AI with Development
51:00 How Shopify Fraud Analysis is Changing
1:04:28 Dev Changelog
1:10:10 Picks of the Week
Resources
Mock Bridge (Dylan's own local testing strategy): https://x.com/ctrlaltdylan/status/1978458949176164427
RVshare: https://rvshare.com/
Sneaker Bot Article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/10/15/style/sneaker-bots.html
Helium: https://heliumdev.com/
Dev Changelog
- Introducing the admin intents API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/introducing-the-admin-intents-api
- [action required] Upcoming Markets pricing support for Draft Order checkouts - https://shopify.dev/changelog/upcoming-markets-pricing-support-for-draft-order-checkouts
- Duplicate themes with the Admin GraphQL API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/duplicate-themes-with-the-admin-graphql-api
- Polaris unified web components are now stable - https://shopify.dev/changelog/polaris-unified-web-components-are-now-stable
- Shopify.dev MCP Now Supports More APIs - https://shopify.dev/changelog/shopifydev-mcp-now-supports-more-apis
- Themes now use one industry tag for better search results - https://shopify.dev/changelog/themes-now-use-one-industry-tag-for-better-search-results
Picks of the Week
Karl: Rocket Dreams by Christian Davenport: https://amzn.to/3KWoVor
Dylan: Dark: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_(TV_series)
Taylor: Garmin Bounce Watch: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/714945/
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, host Karl Meisterheim and co-host Taylor Page welcome Alex Abbott, the creator of Dezi, an AI-powered visual builder for Shopify. The conversation explores Alex's journey into software development, the challenges of self-learning, and the impact of open source tools. They discuss balancing family life with a demanding career, time management strategies, and the integration of AI into development processes. Alex shares insights on building Dezi, its tech stack, and the vision for its future, emphasizing the importance of creating impactful tools for the community.
*Takeaways*
Alex Abbott's journey into software development began with a college internship.
Balancing family life and a career in tech is a common challenge.
The tech stack for Desi includes Next.js and SuperBase, with plans for future improvements.
Integrating AI into development can enhance prototyping and user experience.
Creating impactful tools is more rewarding than focusing solely on financial gain.
*Sound bites*
"I built a Shopify app for my wife."
"I think it was a lot of luck involved."
"I have a pizza oven."
*Timestamps*
00:00 Welcoming Alex and His Background
02:16 Alex's Journey into Software Development
06:59 Building Tools and Open Source Contributions
10:14 Learning and Growth in Software Engineering
15:54 Balancing Family Life and Career Development
31:50 Introducing Dezi: The AI-Powered Visual Builder
40:37 Creating Impact Beyond Financial Gain
48:04 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Career Choices
51:01 Tech Stack Decisions and Reflections
54:43 Integrating AI into Development
01:02:42 Future Vision and Prototyping
01:03:44 Final Thoughts and Changelog Discussion
*Dev Changelog*
[action required] Upgrade to the latest version of Checkout Kit to avoid issues with iOS 26 - https://shopify.dev/changelog/upgrade-to-the-latest-version-of-checkout-kit-to-avoid-issues-with-ios-26
New components available for Polaris in Admin - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-components-available-for-polaris-in-admin
Metaobject field definitions offer new capabilities - https://shopify.dev/changelog/metaobject-field-capabilities
Facebook (Meta) orders support native exchanges - https://shopify.dev/changelog/facebook-meta-orders-support-native-exchanges
Order metafield definitions and values can now be used as filters in the Shopify Admin UI - https://shopify.dev/changelog/order-metafield-definitions-and-values-can-now-be-used-as-filters-in-the-shopify-admin-ui
App recommendations in Sidekick now available - https://shopify.dev/changelog/app-recommendations-in-sidekick-now-available
Built for Shopify update to grace period for uninstall and app embed requirements - https://shopify.dev/changelog/built-for-shopify-update-to-grace-period-for-uninstall-and-app-embed-requirements
*Picks of the Week*
Alex - gozney roccbox pizza oven - https://us.gozney.com/products/roccbox?srsltid=AfmBOooj7h2NoNjY74oK49wrsAFoCxhpM9TKD_-Xoexv2QL53sdHWJhS
Karl - The Long Walk, by Stephen King - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Walk_(novel)
Taylor - Baked potato he recently ate at a football game... - https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+a+baked+potato
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page are joined by Dave Warrington, a senior demo engineer at Shopify. The conversation explores various aspects of development within the Shopify ecosystem, particularly focusing on Liquid, demo engineering, and the evolution of theme development.
Dave shares his journey into the development world, his experiences at Shopify, and insights into performance considerations when working with Liquid. The trio also discuss the importance of community engagement, public speaking, and the latest updates in the Shopify changelog, including new developer tools and features.
Find Dave Online
Resources
Dev Changelog
Picks of the Week
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
02:02 Dave Warrington's Journey into Development
04:52 Exploring Liquid and Its Applications
07:49 The Role of a Demo Engineer at Shopify
11:01 Building Internal Tools and Demos
13:32 The Benefits of Using JavaScript in Liquid Development
17:01 Theme Development: Agency vs. Public Themes
20:11 Understanding Theme Blocks and Their Limitations
23:16 Navigating the Challenges of Theme Blocks
25:52 Feedback on Theme Development and User Experience
28:49 Liquid Hacks and Best Practices
34:30 Exploring Visible If in Shopify
36:04 The Evolution of Theme Development
39:23 Performance Considerations in Liquid
41:17 Best Practices for Liquid Coding
47:27 The Growth of Shopify's Platform
51:14 Public Speaking and Community Engagement
54:30 The Importance of In-Person Interactions
01:01:57 Dev changelog
01:06:07 Picks of the week
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast Karl and Taylor delve into the evolving landscape of AI tools, particularly focusing on Cursor and Claude Code, and their implications for development workflows. They discuss the recent updates to the Shopify theme store, the transition to a new online editor based on VS Code, and the importance of community engagement through in-person events. The conversation also highlights new features in Shopify's change log, including updates to the order editing API and font library, and concludes with personal recommendations for tools and events.
*Takeaways*
Compliments can significantly boost someone's day.
There are numerous business opportunities in the Shopify ecosystem.
AI can assist in development and troubleshooting.
Understanding data is key to leveraging business opportunities. Cursor and Claude Code offer different functionalities for AI-assisted development.
Planning modes in AI tools can enhance workflow efficiency.
AI tools can save time but may also complicate processes if not used judiciously.
Shopify's theme store has significantly expanded its offerings with new presets.
The transition to a VS Code-based online editor in Shopify is a notable improvement.
Community events are gaining traction, fostering collaboration among developers.
Shopify's change log reveals important updates that can impact development practices.
Using AI for workout planning can streamline fitness routines.
Personal recommendations can enhance productivity and engagement in various tasks.
Understanding the implications of new tools and updates is crucial for developers.
*Sound bites*
"I think you could be right."
"It's a little bit more complex"
"It's hard for me to get on board"
*Timestamps*
02:49 Parenting and Homeschooling Dynamics
05:34 Summer Activities and Food Preferences
08:22 Health Challenges and Family Updates
11:11 Personal Experiences with Online Shopping
13:52 Transitioning to Shopify Discussions
21:44 Exploring Product Feeds and Data Management
28:18 The Role of AI in Development
40:28 Navigating AI Challenges and Solutions
41:36 Shopify Theme Store Updates and Implications
46:37 Theme Review Process and Complexity Reduction
47:52 Transition to VS Code for Theme Editing
48:37 Merchants and Theme Complexity
50:31 Browser Extensions and Cybersecurity Awareness
52:49 Community Events and In-Person Gatherings
54:52 ShopQuest and International Events
56:57 Changelog Updates and API Enhancements
01:01:43 Picks of the Week and Personal Insights
*Dev Changelog*
Order Editing API Supports Discounts on Fulfilled Line Items - https://shopify.dev/changelog/order-editing-api-supports-discounts-on-fulfilled-line-items
Font Library Updates - https://shopify.dev/changelog/font-library-updates-automatic-replacement-for-deprecated-fonts
Extensions API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/app-bridge-extension-api
Bulk Update Variant Strategy - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-preservestandalonevariant-strategy-for-productvariantsbulkcreate-mutation
*Picks of the Week*
Karl - Parade of the Hills Festival in Nelsonville Ohio - https://www.paradeofthehills.org/
Taylor - Using Grok AI for Workouts - https://x.ai/
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In this episode of Liquid Weekly, Karl and Taylor reconnect after Taylor's anniversary trip to Barcelona, diving into their latest Shopify development work including theme blocks, app development challenges, and the evolving AI tooling landscape.
Episode Highlights:
Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Barcelona recap15:30 - Theme blocks learning curve and documentation28:45 - AI coding tools comparison and workflow35:20 - App development updates and webhook solutions45:10 - Travel work-life balance and client management52:30 - Shopify Dev Changelog57:00 - Picks of the Week
Resources:
Dev Changelog:
Picks of the Week:Karl: Taylor (awwwww)Taylor: Kindle Paperwhite - https://amzn.to/3UL74CB
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page share personal and work updates.
The conversation covers insights into Shopify app development focusing on order management, the use of AI tools like Gadget, Sidekick, and Grok, and the implications of vendor lock-in. They explore the benefits of using AI for SEO and product management, share insights on client work, and provide updates on the latest changes in the Shopify ecosystem.
*Timestamps*
00:00 Personal Updates and Hair Cutting Techniques
02:09 Battling Home Maintenance and Weather Challenges
05:04 Navigating Anxiety in a Fast-Paced World
07:56 The Impact of Technology on Learning
11:01 Personal Life Updates and Family Adventures
16:56 Teleportation and Jet Lag: A Fun Discussion
18:08 Trail Running Adventures: Personal Experiences
23:01 Work and Entrepreneurship: Balancing Jobs and Projects
23:57 Shopify App Development: Progress and Challenges
28:06 Webhooks and Technical Insights: Navigating Development
32:07 Gadget and AI: Exploring New Tools for Development
37:06 Vendor Lock-In: The Challenges of Gadget Migration
42:03 The Challenge of Time Management
42:39 Exploring AI in Development
45:53 Shopify Theme Store Updates
47:45 AI Tools for Development
52:52 Navigating New AI Tools
58:16 The Importance of Staying Updated
59:10 Change Log Insights
01:04:38 Picks of the Week
*Dev Changelog*
- Server Pixels: added subtotal_price to checkout events - https://shopify.dev/changelog/server-pixels-added-subtotalprice-to-checkout-events
- [action required] POS UI Extensions 2025-07 update - https://shopify.dev/changelog/pos-ui-extensions-2025-07-update
- The _ab cookie will no longer be set - https://shopify.dev/changelog/the-ab-cookie-will-no-longer-be-set
- Improved theme discovery and merchandising on the Shopify Theme Store - https://shopify.dev/changelog/improved-theme-discovery-and-merchandising-on-the-shopify-theme-store
- Shopify App Store reviews now move between published and archived states based on merchant status - https://shopify.dev/changelog/shopify-app-store-reviews-now-move-between-published-and-archived-states-based-on-merchant-status
*Picks of the Week*
Karl - Gutter Aprons - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gibraltar-Building-Products-10-ft-Aluminum-Gutter-Apron-Flashing-in-Birch-White-GA-WH/202092933
Taylor - I am legend - original book by Richard Matheson - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_Legend_(novel)
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Hosts Karl and Taylor are joined by Patrick Pierre, who shares his transformative journey from being a pharmacy major to becoming a successful Shopify developer and YouTuber.
Patrick touches on the challenges and insights he gained while transitioning into the tech world, the importance of leveraging AI in content creation, and his current focus on app development. He emphasizes the value of community and consistency in both his YouTube channel and his development projects, providing listeners with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for their own journeys.
Takeaways
Living on a budget and saving money can provide the freedom to pursue passions without financial stress.
Attending industry events is crucial for networking and learning about the developer community.
Introverts can develop social skills through practice and by engaging in activities like dance classes.
Self-discipline is key to personal growth and achieving goals, as highlighted by Patrick's experiences.
Fitness doesn't require daily gym visits; three workouts a week can be sufficient for maintaining health.
Eating well is essential for energy and motivation, impacting overall productivity.
The Shopify change log includes important updates that developers need to be aware of for app development.
Recommendations for personal growth include reading influential books and engaging in community activities.
Finding balance in life and work is essential for long-term success and happiness.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
08:59 From Pharmacy to Development: A Life Change
17:03 The Journey into Shopify Development
24:58 Leveraging AI in Content Creation
29:08 Transitioning to App Development
36:01 Building a Shopify App: Insights and Challenges
41:36 Navigating Time Management and Focus
44:32 Living on a Budget and Financial Planning
45:16 Building Community in the Developer Space
48:44 The Importance of Networking and Learning
49:50 Overcoming Introversion and Social Skills
52:56 Self-Discipline and Personal Growth
56:07 Fitness Routines and Healthy Living
01:04:21 The Change Log and Shopify Updates
01:08:41 Picks of the Week: Recommendations and Insights
Find Patrick OnlineYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codethatconverts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-pierre-856972149/ Twitter(X): https://x.com/Pierre_WebDev Website: https://www.patrickpierre.dev/
Resources
Dev Changelog
Picks of the Week
Karl - Dungeon Crawler book seriesPatrick - Pomodoro Timer and Captivate Vanessa EdwardsTaylor - Evo TLV2 Air Tent and Instant Canopy Tents
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In this episode Karl and Taylor sit down with Mohammad Hashemi to discuss the evolution of software development with a focus on AI and its impact on backend solutions. The conversation explores the concept of 'Citizen Developers' and how non-traditional developers are leveraging AI tools to create custom software. They share insights on the use of Gadget for building applications quickly and efficiently, while also addressing the common pitfalls developers face.Episode Highlights- AI is transforming software development, especially in frontend code.- Gadget focuses on backend solutions for enterprise-level applications.- The term 'Citizen Developers' describes non-traditional developers using AI tools.- Custom software demand is often underestimated in the market.- AI can help bridge the gap for non-developers to create apps.- The future of SaaS may be challenged by the rise of custom software solutions.- Developers often underestimate the time required for software development tasks.- AI tools can assist but are not a complete solution for development challenges.- The market for development tools is expanding, not contracting.- Front-end development is becoming increasingly competitive with new tools.Find Mohammad Online- Twitter(X): https://x.com/hashemito- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohashemi/Timestamps:
02:52 Exploring AI and Its Applications05:52 The Evolution of Gadget and AI Integration11:52 Backend Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development17:46 The Future of AI in Software Development19:06 The Evolution of Gadget: From Low Code to Full Control20:18 Target Audience: Who Can Benefit from Gadget?23:19 Unlocking Custom Software: The Hidden Demand25:28 Infrastructure and Scalability: The VibeInfra Advantage28:21 The Future of SaaS vs. Custom Software31:04 The Omakase Approach: Simplifying Development35:45 Practical Applications: How Gadget Empowers Developers42:27 Overcoming Developer Hesitation: Building with Confidence49:37 Navigating Developer Challenges52:42 The Evolving Landscape of Development55:45 AI's Role in Development59:38 Change Log Insights01:05:49 Picks of the WeekDev Changelog* [action required] Deprecation of legacy return APIs and improvements to return management - https://shopify.dev/changelog/deprecation-of-legacy-return-apis-and-improvements-to-return-management* Theme files are now installable at the preset level on the Shopify Theme Store - https://shopify.dev/changelog/theme-files-are-now-installable-at-the-preset-level-on-the-shopify-theme-store'* Contextual pricing and publishing APIs use backup region fallback - https://shopify.dev/changelog/contextual-pricing-and-publishing-apis-use-backup-region-fallback* Generally available: Standard product review syndication program - https://shopify.dev/changelog/generally-available-standard-product-review-syndication-program* Shop metafield definitions are now available in the Shopify Admin and Admin API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/shop-metafield-now-in-admin* Cart metafields are accessible in Shopify Functions and Checkout UI extensions - https://shopify.dev/changelog/cart-metafields-are-accessible-in-shopify-functions-and-checkout-ui-extensionsNew pagination limits for Liquid & Storefront GraphQL API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-pagination-limits-for-liquid-storefront-graphql-apiNew Liquid filter for displaying unit prices - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-liquid-filter-for-displaying-unit-pricesPicks of the Week:*Taylor: Shokz open run pro - https://shokz.com/products/openrunpro2*Mohammad: Omachi noodles - https://www.hmart.com/omachi*Karl: Fernco Couplings - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fernco-3-in-x-3-in-PVC-DWV-Mechanical-Flexible-Coupling-P1056-33/100372296Subscibe to Liquid Weekly The Newsletter!Don't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/
Karl and Taylor share their experiences from Editions.dev conference, diving into app development insights, Shopify transitions, and the power of community networking. They discuss APIs, GraphQL, memorable conference food, and reflect on the ever-evolving tech industry. This episode covers the entire Editions.dev WEEK experience.
Timestamps
00:00 - Personal Anecdotes and Parenting Fails
02:27 - Conference Experiences and Networking
07:24 - Food Adventures and Family Life
07:31 - Personal Life Adjustments
10:14 - Camping Adventures and Family Time
13:38 - Children's Activities and Parenting Challenges
18:12 - Work Updates and App Development Challenges
29:47 - Reflections on Editions.dev and Networking
30:51 - Tectonic Event Highlights
34:02 - Food and Networking Experiences
37:24 - Insights from Speakers and Talks
41:24 - Approaching Conferences with a New Mindset
42:38 - Day of the Editions Party
48:30 - Navigating the Event and Meeting New People
54:26 - Reflections on Food and Social Interactions
57:51 - The Perfect Team: Collaboration and Resource Sharing
58:55 - Exciting Workshops and Talks
01:00:04 - Community Engagement: Awards and Recognition
01:00:59 - Interactive Learning: Round Tables and AMAs
01:01:50 - The Future of Shopping: AI and Omni-Channel Strategies
01:04:24 - Networking and Community Value
01:06:24 - Quality Content Creation: Interviews and Video Production
01:09:19 - Engaging with Industry Leaders
01:28:49 - Shopify Editions: New Releases and Innovations
01:35:47 - Picks of the week
Resources
Shopify Editions Summer '25: shopify.com/editions/summer2025Driving Game Breakdown: x.com/tobi/status/1933176858985771367Editions.dev video playlist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oWo6Krbv6s&list=PLvQF73bM4-5Wr_LdFZkrXqD9hpGhl8pjo
Picks of the Week
Karl: Studio Ghibli
Taylor: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 64 subscription
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page catch up on personal updates. They also delve into the world of Shopify development, discussing app creation and the intricacies of managed pricing. They discuss the challenges and considerations in app development, particularly within the Shopify ecosystem. and explore the importance of pricing strategies, the complexities of launching apps, and the role of AI in coding.
*Episode Highlights*
* Managing a public app can be a complex but fulfilling task.
* Chores are essential for teaching kids about responsibility.
* Transitioning to Shopify development requires patience and learning. The app development process can be complex and requires careful planning.
* Pricing strategies are crucial for app success.
* Feedback from initial users can guide app improvements before a full launch.
* AI can assist in coding but may also complicate the process.
* Choosing the right development framework is essential for project success.
* Building apps that solve specific problems can be rewarding.
* Community support is invaluable for developers facing challenges.
* It's important to balance work with personal time and family commitments.
*Timestampes*
* 00:21 Welcome Back and Personal Updates
* 03:09 Home Improvements and Gardening Adventures
* 07:05 Family Activities and Music Festivals
* 10:57 Kids Sports and Family Dynamics
* 23:10 Transitioning to Shopify Development
* 30:11 Navigating App Development Challenges
* 33:06 Managing App Launch and Feedback
* 37:14 Exploring Development Frameworks
* 40:05 The Role of AI in Coding
* 43:06 Building Apps for Specific Needs
* 47:22 The Future of Shopify Development
* 52:14 Change Log Updates and Community Insights
* 01:01:11 Personal Picks and Recommendations
* 01:08:13 LW podcast intro video.mp4
*Dev Changelog*
* Store credit account balance now available in Liquid - https://shopify.dev/changelog/store-credit-account-balance-available-in-liquid
* [action required] Deprecating gates types and fields across the GraphQL Admin, Storefront, and Functions APIs - https://shopify.dev/changelog/gates-api-sunset
* Archiving outdated, unhelpful, and untrusted reviews on the Shopify App Store - https://shopify.dev/changelog/*archiving-outdated-unhelpful-and-untrusted-reviews-on-the-shopify-app-store
* [action required] Updated Shopify Theme Store Requirements and Submission Process – Effective May 15, 2025 - https://shopify.dev/changelog/updated-shopify-theme-store-requirements-and-submission-process-effective-may-15-2025
In this special episode of Liquid Weekly, Karl and Taylor sit down with Eytan Seidman, Product Director at Shopify, to unveil the exciting new Next Gen Dev Platform and its transformative features for developers.
This comprehensive update aims to dramatically improve the developer experience with faster tooling, simplified data management, and a unified component system that works across all Shopify surfaces.
Episode Highlights:
Re-engineered Shopify app dev command with hot reloading capabilities
Localhost development that eliminates need for tunnels
Unified dev stores that align with all Shopify plans
Declarative custom data for simplified metafield management
Polaris unified web components delivered via CDN
AI-powered function generation with MCP server
New developer dashboard rebuilt from the ground up
Find Eytan Online:
Twitter(X): https://x.com/eytanseidman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eytan-seidman
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
05:30 - Improved Developer Experience
15:45 - Declarative Custom Data
30:20 - Polaris Unified Web Components
45:10 - AI-Powered Function Generation
52:30 - New Developer Dashboard
57:00 - Picks of the Week
Resources:
Shopify Developer Community: https://community.shopify.dev
Next Gen Dev Platform Documentation: https://shopify.dev/docs
Shopify MCP Server: https://shopify.dev/assistant
Shopify App Tomography File Documentation: https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/tools/cli/configuration
Polaris Unified Web Components: https://shopify.github.io/polaris
Picks of the Week:
Eytan: Ubiquiti networking gear
Karl: Waymo driverless car experience
Taylor: External hard drives for developers
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In this special episode of Liquid Weekly, Karl and Taylor sit down with Brett, Staff Engineer at Shopify, to unveil an exciting new project: Storefront Web Components.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to make Shopify integration accessible to anyone with basic HTML knowledge, allowing merchants to embed commerce functionality anywhere on the web.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Storefront Components and their vision
Deep dive into component architecture and implementation
How to handle variants, cart functionality, and market-specific features
Discussion of development process at Shopify
Comparison with existing solutions like Buy Button SDK
Future roadmap and potential use cases
Find Brett Online
Twitter(X): https://x.com/little_bret
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretlittle/
Website: https://www.bretlittle.com/
Github: https://github.com/blittle
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bretlittle.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bret.little/
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
05:30 - What are Storefront Components?
15:45 - Technical Implementation Details
30:20 - Component Demo
45:10 - Development Process at Shopify
52:30 - Future Plans
57:00 - Picks of the Week
Resources:
Storefront Web Components: https://webcomponents.shopify.dev
Playground: https://webcomponents.shopify.dev/playground
Shopify Editions Summer ‘25: https://www.shopify.com/editions/summer2025
Blog post: https://www.shopify.com/news/summer-25-edition-dev
Shopify Headless Documentation: https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/headless
Web Components Documentation: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Web_components
Picks of the Week:
Brett: Microsoft TypeScript Go Announcement & AI Assistant Article
Karl: Ben McIntyre's SAS History Books
Taylor: Naked Nutrition Protein Powder
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page discuss a variety of personal and professional topics. They discuss rebranding efforts for Liquid Weekly and the importance of community engagement in their work. Eventually they get around to discussing various aspects of app development, including building a resource hub, the importance of internationalization, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity.
*Episode Highlights*
* Taylor recently underwent eye surgery, improving his vision significantly.
* Shopify development tools are evolving based on user feedback.
* Monetization strategies for tools can enhance community engagement.
* The hosts discuss the importance of work-life balance during summer.
* Rebranding efforts for Liquid Weekly are underway to improve its image.
* Internationalization is essential for reaching a global audience.
* AI can significantly improve productivity in app development.
* Client work is evolving towards subscription models for flexibility.
* Understanding app development challenges is crucial for success.
* Liquid and Shopify updates are vital for developers to stay informed.
* Shopify's revenue share changes impact app developers significantly.
*Timestamps*
* 08:04 Vision Transformation: The ICL Surgery
* 13:59 Shopify Insights: Building Tools for Developers
* 20:15 Community and Collaboration: The Shopify Developer Alliance
* 24:22 Balancing Work and Family Life
* 38:53 Rebranding and Community Engagement
* 43:04 Developing a Public App
* 47:05 The Gap in App Development Resources
* 50:35 Evolving Freelance Work and Client Relationships
* 53:22 The Impact of AI on Productivity
* 57:34 Navigating AI Limitations in Development
* 59:50 Shopify Developments and Liquid Hackathon
* 01:05:08 Shopify App Developer Revenue Changes
* 01:08:31 Updates on Shopify's POS and WebPixels API
* 01:13:02 Picks of the Week and Closing Thoughts
* 01:19:48 LW podcast intro video.mp4
*Dev Changelog*
* Update to Shopify’s app developer revenue share - https://shopify.dev/changelog/update-to-shopifys-app-developer-revenue-share
* [action required] POS UI Extensions - Cart API: Customer fields removed from subscribable hook - https://shopify.dev/changelog/pos-ui-extensions-cart-api-customer-fields-removed-from-subscribable-hook
* [action required] Web Pixels API: event.data.checkout.subtotalPrice.amount value change on the new /thank-you page and checkout events - https://shopify.dev/changelog/web-pixels-api-eventdatacheckoutsubtotalpriceamount-value-change-on-the-new-thank-you-page-and-checkout-events
* Refund to Store Credit - https://shopify.dev/changelog/refund-to-store-credit
* More automated checks for app review pre-submission page - https://shopify.dev/changelog/more-automated-checks-for-app-review-pre-submission-page
* [action required] Payment apps can no longer be embedded in the Shopify admin - https://shopify.dev/changelog/payment-apps-can-no-longer-be-embedded-in-the-shopify-admin
In this episode of Liquid Weekly, Karl and Taylor sit down with Ole Thorup, seasoned Shopify developer and creator of Accentuate Custom Fields and now Shopify Apps Espresso Editor and Espresso Live Metafields, to explore the power and possibilities of CloudFlare in Shopify app development.Episode Highlights* Ole's journey from COBOL developer to Shopify merchant to app developer* Deep dive into CloudFlare's features including Workers, Queues, and Durable Objects* How to handle app scaling and performance optimization* Tips for managing large-scale Shopify stores with 100,000+ products* Insights into building Espresso apps and live metafields* The evolution from traditional hosting to serverless architectureAbout Ole ThorupOle is a developer with 40 years of experience who transitioned from banking and telecom to Shopify development. After creating and selling the successful Accentuate Custom Fields app, he now runs Espresso with his son, continuing to innovate in the Shopify ecosystem.Find Ole Online* Twitter/X - https://x.com/olethorup* Espresso Apps - https://espressoapps.com/Timestamps00:00 - Introduction05:30 - Ole's Background12:45 - CloudFlare Deep Dive30:20 - App Architecture45:10 - Scaling and Performance52:30 - Shopify Dev Changelog57:00 - Picks of the WeekResources:* Cloudflare - https://www.cloudflare.com/* Cloudflare Learning Center - https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/* Cloudflare Developer docs - https://developers.cloudflare.com/* Peacock’s Serverless Apps of Cloudflare - https://pragprog.com/titles/apapps/serverless-apps-on-cloudflare/* Flared Up - https://research.cloudflare.com/outreach/updates/mailinglist/* How Shopify Uses Cloudflare - https://www.cloudflare.com/case-studies/shopify/* Tanstack - https://tanstack.com/* Shadcdn/ui - https://ui.shadcn.com/Dev Changelog* New opacity controls for theme colors - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-opacity-controls-for-theme-colors* App ratings now factor in trust signals, with reviews from lower-trust shops carrying less weight. - https://shopify.dev/changelog/app-ratings-now-factor-in-trust-signals* New Inventory Transfers experience available for testing in Dev Preview - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-inventory-transfers-experience-available-for-testing-in-dev-preview* Introducing PRODUCT_CATEGORY_ID_WITH_DESCENDANTS in CollectionRuleColumn for smart collections - https://shopify.dev/changelog/introducing-productcategoryidwithdescendants-in-collectionrulecolumn-for-smart-collectionsPicks of the Week* Ole: Black Mirror Season 7* Karl: King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard* Taylor: TalkingShop.dev PodcastSign Up for Liquid WeeklyDon't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/
In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page welcome Prakhar, co-founder of FoxSell, to discuss his journey into software development, the intricacies of Shopify's cart transformations, and the challenges of running a Shopify app.
They explore the benefits and use cases of cart transformations, the importance of understanding customer segments, and the complexities of app pricing and acquisition strategies. The conversation also touches on the non-technical aspects of app development and concludes with personal picks of the week.
*Takeaways*
- Prakhar's journey into software development began with a conventional path in engineering.
- Cart transformations allow for bundling products in a more user-friendly way.
- Understanding customer segments is crucial for app development and marketing.
- The App Store can be a tricky space for new apps due to competition and review dynamics.
- Leveraging Shopify's infrastructure can enhance reliability and performance for app developers.
- The importance of customer support in obtaining positive app reviews cannot be overstated.
- App pricing strategies should be carefully considered to ensure market competitiveness.
- The future of cart transformations looks promising with ongoing developments in Shopify functions.
- Non-technical challenges in app development are just as important as technical ones.
- Building for Shopify can provide significant advantages in the e-commerce space.
*Timestamps*
00:00 The Journey into App Development
06:15 Exploring Cart Transformations
14:26 Understanding Cart Transformation Mechanics
18:00 The Evolution of Bundling Technology
23:48 Innovative Use Cases for Cart Transform API
27:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Cart Transform
34:42 Navigating the App Development Landscape
50:14 Building Trust and Reliability in E-commerce
01:00:53 Enhancements in UI Extensions and Attributes API
01:02:29 Tech Picks of the Week: Hardware and Software
01:05:07 The Evolution of Apple's Touch Bar
01:06:56 Microphone Recommendations for Quality Sound
01:08:14 Building with Polaris: A Game Changer for Shopify Apps
01:10:16 The Importance of Pricing in App Development
01:12:25 Reflections on Development and Innovation
01:12:59 LW Podcast Outro.mp4
*Changelog*
- Shopify.dev MCP Server - https://shopify.dev/changelog/mcp-server-for-the-shopify-dev-assistant
- New webhook to track updates to checkout and accounts configuration - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-webhook-to-track-updates-to-checkout-and-accounts-configuration
- Liquid support for OKLCH colors - https://shopify.dev/changelog/liquid-support-for-oklch-colors
- Developer Preview: Localhost-based development for shopify app dev - https://shopify.dev/changelog/developer-preview-localhost-based-development-for-shopify-app-dev
- Checkout UI extensions: Attributes API now supports removing cart and checkout attributes - https://shopify.dev/changelog/checkout-ui-extensions-attributes-api-now-supports-removing-cart-and-checkout-attributes
*Resources*
- FoxSell https://www.foxsell.app/
- Eytan Tweet about BFS changes based on feedback https://x.com/eytanseidman/status/1903110665360794091
- Mat De Sousa poll on Twitter https://x.com/DsMatie/status/1906318592712261895
*Find Prakhar Online*
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakhars96/
- X https://x.com/PrakharS96
*Signup for Liquid Weekly Newsletter*
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page welcome back Jan Frey, one of the greatest Shopify development teachers on the web with the incredibly helpful and popular YouTube channel Coding with Jan.The conversation covers a range of topics including the current landscape of Shopify development, strategies for finding clients, the importance of professionalism, and the evolving role of AI in web development. Jan shares insights on his new JavaScript training program aimed at helping developers enhance their skills, while also discussing the significance of soft skills in client interactions. Takeaways
Timestamps
00:00 Exploring Shopify Development and Educational Initiatives01:25 The Evolution of Development in 202504:23 Finding Clients and Building a Portfolio07:21 Soft Skills in Development and Client Interaction13:15 Navigating Cold Outreach Strategies17:30 Building a Professional Online Presence22:59 The Importance of Referrals and Networking31:52 Establishing Technical Knowledge in Development38:49 The Future of Development in an AI World40:47 The Role of AI in Web Development46:04 Essential Skills for Freelance Developers47:03 Mastering JavaScript for Shopify52:56 Shopify Updates and Changes01:01:35 Personal Highlights and Future CollaborationsFind Jan OnlineYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CodingwithJanLinkedIn: / jan-frey Twitter (X): https://x.com/Coding_with_Jan Website: https://codingwithjan.com/Freemote: https://www.freemote.com/Javascript Training: https://www.codingwithjan.com/javascr... ResourcesLuck Sail: • The little risks you can take to incr... Dev ChangelogPicks of the WeekKarl: Ruby on Rails and Web Assembly - https://web.dev/blog/ruby-on-rails-on...Jan: Working with Shopify Academy - https://www.shopifyacademy.com/Taylor: GoRuck Weighted Vest - https://www.goruck.com/products/train...
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page welcome Ruben Bristian, co-founder of Krown Themes, to discuss the intricacies of Shopify theme development.
Ruben shares his journey from WordPress to Shopify, the challenges of adapting to Liquid, and the importance of understanding merchant needs.
The conversation delves into the theme development process, including design collaboration, quality assurance, and the impact of new Shopify features.
Ruben emphasizes the balance between creating user-friendly themes for merchants while also considering the developer experience.
The episode concludes with insights on the evolving landscape of Shopify themes and the importance of accessibility and market trends in development.
Takeaways
- The importance of understanding merchant needs in theme development.
- Accessibility is a continuous improvement area in theme design.
- Quality assurance involves feedback from support teams and demo stores.
- The development process is iterative and involves collaboration with designers.
- Shopify themes must balance simplicity and functionality for merchants.
- New features in Shopify can impact existing themes significantly.
- Developers should consider the user experience when building themes.
- Market trends influence the features included in themes.
- Ruben's team focuses on creating unique solutions for niche markets.
Timestamps
00:00 Ruben Bristian's Journey to Shopify Development
09:18 The Evolution of Shopify Themes
19:11 Theme Development Process and Challenges
29:16 Focus on Merchant Needs and Accessibility
32:34 Adapting to Shopify Updates
35:56 Feature Selection and Merchant Needs
39:13 Building Unique Features and Market Gaps
42:06 Submission Process to Shopify
44:29 Development Tools and Frameworks
49:17 Collaboration and Design Process
57:35 Personal Updates and Picks of the Week
59:15 Shopify's Theme Submission Process and Naming Challenges
Find Ruben Online
- Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubenbristian/
- Website - https://www.krownthemes.com/
- Shopify listings - https://themes.shopify.com/designers/krownthemes
Dev Changelog
- Flow: Template extensions no longer block deploys
- https://shopify.dev/changelog/flow-template-extensions-no-longer-block-deploys- Liquid arrays now support the find, find_index, has, and reject filters
- https://shopify.dev/changelog/liquid-arrays-now-support-the-find-findindex-has-and-reject-filters- No-op for unchanged metafields and metaobjects
- https://shopify.dev/changelog/no-op-for-unchanged-metafields-and-metaobjects- Reserved prefix protection for metafields and metaobjects
- https://shopify.dev/changelog/reserved-prefix-protection-for-metafields-and-metaobjects
Picks of the Week
- Ruben - Newborn! - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant
- Karl - Severance on Apple TV - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severance_(TV_series)
- Taylor - Person of Interest - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person_of_Interest_(TV_series)
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly podcast, host Karl Meisterheim and co-host Taylor Page welcome Paolo Vidale, founder and CEO of Hidden Gears, to discuss the intricacies of technical debt, quality assurance, and the evolution of Shopify development.
Paolo shares his journey into development, emphasizing the importance of understanding technical debt both in-house and inherited from previous projects.
The conversation delves into the philosophy of quality assurance, the challenges of JavaScript, and innovative approaches like inside-out re-theming to manage technical debt effectively. The episode concludes with insights on the latest changes in the Shopify ecosystem and personal picks from the hosts.
Takeaways:
• Technical debt is a crucial aspect of development that can accumulate over time.
• Quality assurance should be viewed as a philosophy rather than just a task.
• Diligence in testing involves anticipating user behavior and potential errors.
• Inside-out re-theming allows for gradual improvements without complete overhauls.
• JavaScript can introduce complexities, especially with conflicting libraries from apps.
• Effective QA processes can prevent surprises and ensure a smoother development experience.
• Collaboration with app developers can lead to better product outcomes.
• Accessibility testing is an essential part of the QA process.
• Understanding the implications of headless architecture is vital for successful implementation.
• Using tools like Nacho Nacho can help manage SaaS subscriptions effectively.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 01:15 Paolo's Origin Story in Development
• 07:40 Transitioning to Shopify and E-commerce
• 09:59 Balancing Marketing and Development
• 12:31 Quality Assurance in Development
• 17:08 Understanding Quality Assurance
• 21:14 Design QA vs. Development QA
• 25:06 Accessibility and ADA Testing
• 29:19 Navigating Complexity in Design and Accessibility
• 30:10 Tools for Accessibility Testing
• 33:18 Quality Assurance in Development
• 34:32 Diligence and Destruction in QA Testing
• 39:23 Understanding Technical Debt
• 49:02 Inside-Out Re-theming for Technical Debt
• 54:17 JavaScript Challenges and Solutions
• 57:13 Dev Changelog and Picks of the Week
Find Paolo Online:
• Website: https://www.hiddengears.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hiddengears
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolovidali/
• Twitter(X): https://x.com/paolorobot
Resources:
• ARIA DevTools: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/aria-devtools/dneemiigcbbgbdjlcdjjnianlikimpck?hl=en
• Browserstack: https://www.browserstack.com/
• Deque University: https://dequeuniversity.com/
• WAVE: https://wave.webaim.org/
• JAWS Inspect: https://www.tpgi.com/arc-platform/jaws-inspect/
Dev Changelog:
• Removing unnecessary RELEVANCE sort options: https://shopify.dev/changelog/removing-unnecessary-relevance-sort-options
• Events and Origins in Store Credit Account Transactions: https://shopify.dev/changelog/events-and-origins-in-store-credit-account-transactions
• Attribute Marketing Consent to Retail Locations: https://shopify.dev/changelog/track-the-retail-locations-where-your-customers-update-their-marketing-consent
Picks of the Week:
• Paolo: Saas and AI Marketplace (https://nachonacho.com/)
• Karl: Logseq (https://logseq.com/)
• Taylor: Wahl Clipper/Trimmer (https://amzn.to/4keu34q)
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In this episode, Karl and Taylor engage in a lively conversation with Brian Gonzales, a graphic designer, web developer and founder of Solver Collective. Brian shares his origin story, detailing his transition from Drupal to Shopify and his passion for building a Shopify developer community in Portland. He discusses the pivotal moments in his career, including his passion for retail and the importance of in-person connections. The conversation explores the challenges and successes of fostering local meetups, navigating Shopify's support and sponsorship, and the importance of creating a technically focused community Takeaways - Brian is a graphic designer and web developer from Portland. - Brian founded an agency called Solver Collective. - He transitioned from Drupal development to Shopify in 2018. - He emphasizes the importance of community in the Shopify space. - In-person connections are vital for building strong networks. - Community building requires clear messaging and purpose. - Building a community takes time and persistence. - Navigating brand guidelines can be challenging but necessary. - Community events foster connections and knowledge sharing. - Personal connections enhance professional networking. - Swag can be a fun way to engage community members. - Creating a fun atmosphere at events can enhance participation. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Early Morning Energy 02:57 Parenting and Work-Life Balance 06:01 Basecamp and Project Management Tools 08:59 Guest Introduction: Brian Gonzales 12:01 Brian's Superhero Origin Story 15:01 Transitioning to Shopify Development 18:51 The Journey Begins: From Fear to Opportunity 25:09 Navigating Career Choices: The Temptation of the Porn Industry 30:32 Building Community: The Importance of In-Person Connections 37:24 Reviving a Dormant Group: The Birth of a New Community 43:18 Fostering Technical Engagement: A Focus on Developers 49:46 Creating Value: Engaging the Community through Participation 50:05 The Quest for Swag and Community Engagement 52:16 Navigating Shopify Collaborations 56:30 Building Community Connections 01:01:01 Change Log Insights and Updates 01:05:03 Personal Picks and Recommendations Find Brian Online
- Solver Collective: https://solvercollective.com/ - PDX Shopify Website: https://shopify.pdxmeetup.com/ - PDX Shopify Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/pdx-shopify-meetup/
Dev Changelog
- Support added for $app in product queries by metafield: https://shopify.dev/changelog/support-added-for-app-namespaces-in-product-queries-by-metafield - InventoryItem Queryable and Updatable with Products Scopes: https://shopify.dev/changelog/inventoryitem-queryable-and-updatable-with-products-scopes - Apps will be reviewed for necessary scopes: https://shopify.dev/changelog/apps-will-be-reviewed-for-necessary-scopes - shop.metaobjects is now just metaobjects in liquid: https://shopify.dev/changelog/shopmetaobjects-is-now-just-metaobjects-in-liquid - [Action Required] New Catalog APIs: https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-catalog-apis - [Deprecation] Payout statuses In Transit and Scheduled have been merged: https://shopify.dev/changelog/payout-statuses-in-transit-and-scheduled-have-been-merged Picks of the Week
(Karl) Banana Chips! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096EVMTE (Taylor) Buckeye Express Carwash (Brian) - Polyphia: https://polyphia.com/
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In this episode of the Liquid Weekly podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page welcome Matthew Smith, a Shopify developer and creator of the app Sections Pro. The conversation delves into Matt's journey into Shopify development, the challenges of balancing a full-time job with app development, and the exciting new features of Shopify's theme blocks. In this conversation, Taylor Page and Matt Smith discuss various aspects of app development within the Shopify ecosystem, including the importance of usability, theme customization, pricing strategies, and the role of ROI in app success. They also delve into support strategies for app developers, the challenges of navigating Shopify's review system, and the future of Shopify's tech stack. The discussion highlights the need for developers to understand their audience and the market dynamics to create successful applications. Takeaways
Find Matt Online Matt's website: https://matthewsmith.com/ Twitter (X): https://x.com/matthewsmith Sections Pro: https://www.sectionspro.com/ Sections Pro (app store): https://apps.shopify.com/sections-ai
Resources
Dev Changelog
Picks of the Week
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