Claude-code-plugins-plus-skills shopify-known-pitfalls

install
source · Clone the upstream repo
git clone https://github.com/jeremylongshore/claude-code-plugins-plus-skills
Claude Code · Install into ~/.claude/skills/
T=$(mktemp -d) && git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/jeremylongshore/claude-code-plugins-plus-skills "$T" && mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && cp -r "$T/plugins/saas-packs/shopify-pack/skills/shopify-known-pitfalls" ~/.claude/skills/jeremylongshore-claude-code-plugins-plus-skills-shopify-known-pitfalls && rm -rf "$T"
manifest: plugins/saas-packs/shopify-pack/skills/shopify-known-pitfalls/SKILL.md
source content

Shopify Known Pitfalls

Overview

The 10 most common mistakes when building Shopify apps, with real API examples showing the wrong way and the right way.

Prerequisites

  • Existing Shopify app codebase to review or audit
  • Familiarity with GraphQL Admin API query patterns and response shapes
  • Access scopes configured for the APIs your app uses
  • @shopify/shopify-api
    v9+ installed (for code examples)

Instructions

Each pitfall includes a wrong-way and right-way code example. See Pitfall Examples for all 10 complete code comparisons.

Pitfall #1: Not Checking userErrors (The #1 Mistake)

Shopify GraphQL mutations return HTTP 200 even when they fail. The errors are in

userErrors
. Always check
userErrors.length > 0
before accessing the result.

Pitfall #2: Using REST When GraphQL Is Required

REST Admin API is legacy as of October 2024. New public apps after April 2025 must use GraphQL. GraphQL also lets you request only the fields you need.

Pitfall #3: Ignoring API Version Deprecation

Shopify deprecates API versions ~12 months after release. Use

LATEST_API_VERSION
from
@shopify/shopify-api
and monitor
x-shopify-api-deprecated-reason
response headers.

Pitfall #4: Missing Mandatory GDPR Webhooks

Your app will be rejected from the App Store without

customers/data_request
,
customers/redact
, and
shop/redact
webhook handlers.

Pitfall #5: Webhook Handler Takes Too Long

Shopify expects a 200 response within 5 seconds. Respond immediately and queue work asynchronously, otherwise Shopify retries and creates duplicates.

Pitfall #6: Using ProductInput on API 2024-10+

The

ProductInput
type was split into
ProductCreateInput
and
ProductUpdateInput
in 2024-10. Use the specific type for each operation.

Pitfall #7: Not Using Cursor Pagination

Shopify uses Relay-style cursor pagination, not page numbers. Use

after
/
endCursor
with
pageInfo
.

Pitfall #8: Requesting 250 Items Per Page

first: 250
with nested connections creates enormous query costs that THROTTLE immediately. Use
first: 50
or smaller with nested resources.

Pitfall #9: Exposing Admin Token in Client-Side Code

Admin API tokens have full access. Never send them to the browser — proxy through your server.

Pitfall #10: Not Handling APP_UNINSTALLED Webhook

When a merchant uninstalls your app, clean up sessions immediately. Stale sessions cause auth redirect loops on reinstall.

Output

  • Anti-patterns identified in codebase
  • Fixes prioritized (security first, then correctness)
  • Prevention measures in place (linting, CI checks)

Error Handling

PitfallHow to DetectPrevention
Missing userErrors checkNull pointer crashesESLint rule or wrapper function
REST usage
grep -r "clients.Rest" src/
Migration guide + lint rule
Old API version
grep -r "apiVersion" src/
CI check against supported versions
Missing GDPR webhooksApp Store rejectionPre-submit compliance checker
Webhook timeoutShopify retry stormsQueue-based processing
ProductInput on 2024-10GraphQL type errorUpdate mutations
Page-based paginationQuery errorsUse cursor pagination pattern
first: 250
THROTTLED responsesQuery cost budgets
Admin token in clientSecurity auditServer-side proxy
No APP_UNINSTALLEDAuth loops on reinstallWebhook handler + session cleanup

Examples

Quick Pitfall Scan

Run automated detection against your Shopify codebase to find REST usage, missing userErrors checks, old API versions, hardcoded tokens, and oversized page requests.

See Pitfall Scan Script for the complete scan script.

Resources

Quick Reference Card

PitfallDetectionFix
No userErrors checkNull crashes on mutationsAlways check
userErrors.length > 0
REST instead of GraphQL
grep "clients.Rest"
Migrate to
clients.Graphql
Old API version
grep "2023-"
Use
LATEST_API_VERSION
from SDK
Missing GDPR webhooksApp Store rejectionAdd 3 mandatory webhook handlers
Webhook timeoutRetry storms, duplicatesRespond 200 immediately, queue processing
ProductInput on 2024-10Type errorUse
ProductCreateInput
/
ProductUpdateInput
Page-number paginationQuery errorsUse cursor-based with
pageInfo
first: 250
with nesting
THROTTLEDUse
first: 50
or smaller
Admin token in browserSecurity scanServer-side proxy only
No APP_UNINSTALLEDAuth loop on reinstallClean up sessions on uninstall