Liquid Weekly Podcast: Shopify Developers Talking Shopify Development

Karl Meisterheim

Each episode hosts Karl and Taylor discuss the latest news and techniques for Shopify development. Hear about current projects, listen to interviews with developers and take your theme and app development skills to another level.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    047: Theme Blocks, AI Tools, and Barcelona Adventures

    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: Taylor's experience transitioning from sections/blocks to theme blocks and the mental shift requiredKarl's EtherCycle app development progress and webhook filtering solutionsDiscussion of AI coding tools: Claude Code, Cursor, Kiro, and GPT-5 comparisonsTaylor's Barcelona travel stories and balancing client work while on vacationThe challenges merchants face adapting to theme blocks in themes like HorizonKarl's clever solution for filtering Shopify webhooks per shop to reduce infrastructure overheadFour-year anniversary milestone for the Liquid Weekly newsletter 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: Horizon theme (now open source) - https://github.com/Shopify/horizon Jan's Horizon customization video - https://www.shopifyacademy.com/video-learn-theme-customization-with-theme-blocks/2303629 Shopify customize webhook filters - https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/webhooks/customize/filters Raycast - https://raycast.com/?via=taylor Warp terminal - https://app.warp.dev/referral/2WY6RV Kiro AI coding tool - https://kiro.dev/ Claude Code - https://www.anthropic.com/claude-code Cursor CLI - https://cursor.com/en/cli Dev Changelog: Request app reviews in admin with the new Reviews API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/request-app-reviews-in-admin-with-the-new-reviews-api New: Support for nested cart lines - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-support-for-nested-cart-lines [action required] _tracking_consent, _landing_page, _orig_referrer cookies will no longer be set - https://shopify.dev/changelog/trackingconsent-landingpage-origreferrer-cookies-will-no-longer-be-set [action required] _shopify_y and _shopify_s cookies will no longer be set - https://shopify.dev/changelog/shopifyy-and-shopifys-cookies-will-no-longer-be-set [action required] Deprecation of the checkout_and_accounts_configurations/update webhook - https://shopify.dev/changelog/deprecation-of-checkoutandaccountsconfigurationsupdate-webhook Picks of the Week:Karl: Taylor (awwwww)Taylor: Kindle Paperwhite - https://amzn.to/3UL74CB Sign Up for Liquid Weekly:Don't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/

    1h 1m
  2. 31 JUL

    046: Karl and Taylor on AI, App Dev and Gutter Aprons!

    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) *Sign Up for Liquid Weekly* Don't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/

    1h 12m
  3. 17 JUL

    045: Patrick Pierre

    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 How AI is changing software engineering at Shopify with Farhan Thawar: https://newsletter.pragmaticengineer.com/p/how-ai-is-changing-software-engineeringDeepSeek: https://chat.deepseek.com Dev Changelog [action required] New Built for Shopify requirements for marketing apps – Effective July 1, 2025 - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-built-for-shopify-requirements-for-marketing-apps-effective-july-1-2025[action required] POS UI Extensions 2025-07 update - https://shopify.dev/changelog/pos-ui-extensions-2025-07-update[action required] Changes to Cart token format for AJAX and Storefront GraphQL Cart APIs - https://shopify.dev/changelog/changes-to-cart-token-format-for-ajax-and-storefront-graphql-cart-apisOrder cancellation now supports refunds to store credit - https://shopify.dev/changelog/ordercancel-mutation-now-supports-refunds-to-store-creditRequest app reviews in admin with the new Reviews API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/request-app-reviews-in-admin-with-the-new-reviews-api Picks of the Week Karl - Dungeon Crawler book seriesPatrick - Pomodoro Timer and Captivate Vanessa EdwardsTaylor - Evo TLV2 Air Tent and Instant Canopy Tents Sign Up for Liquid Weekly Don't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/

    1h 13m
  4. Episode 44 - Mohammad Hashemi with Gadget

    3 JUL

    Episode 44 - Mohammad Hashemi with Gadget

    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/

    1h 12m
  5. 19 JUN

    Episode 043 - The Editions 2025 Megasode

    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 Subscribe to Liquid Weekly Get expert insights and tips delivered to your inbox: liquidweekly.com

    1h 36m
  6. Episode 42 - Karl and Taylor At It Again

    5 JUN

    Episode 42 - Karl and Taylor At It Again

    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

    1h 8m
  7. Special Episode: Eytan Seidman and Next Gen Dev Platform

    29 MAY · BONUS

    Special Episode: Eytan Seidman and Next Gen Dev Platform

    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 Sign Up for Liquid Weekly: Don't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/

    50 min
  8. 21 MAY · BONUS

    Special Episode: Bret Little and Storefront Web Components

    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 Sign Up for Liquid Weekly: Don't miss out on expert insights and tips—subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/

    1h 2m

About

Each episode hosts Karl and Taylor discuss the latest news and techniques for Shopify development. Hear about current projects, listen to interviews with developers and take your theme and app development skills to another level.

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