Shopify Functions
Goodbye, Shopify Scripts. Hello, Shopify Functions. With Shopify Scripts set to be sunset next year, we discuss what this means for your store - let's dive in.
Shopify has always been a platform that moves with the times, embracing new tech and apps, while in turn phasing out older services as they lose utility or relevance in the ever-changing ecommerce landscape.
Now the decision has been made by Shopify to move on from Scripts. New Shopify Scripts installations are no longer possible, and for those with Scripts already installed, these Shopify Scripts will cease to work from 13 August 2024.
But fear not – We are here to introduce an efficient solution that allows you to seamlessly migrate from Shopify Scripts to Shopify Functions, and maintain all the same features in the process.
What are Shopify Scripts, Anyway?
If you have been using Shopify Plus for any amount of time, then you are probably already familiar with the Shopify Scripts feature. These code snippets allow you to personalise all kinds of features around your Shopify store.
Here at Inspira, we have used Scripts plenty of times in the past, when working with clients – for example to customise payment gateways, or set modified (or multi-tier) prices and shipping options.
The smart functionality of Shopify Scripts meant that even multiple discount schemes could be set up to run at the same time – for example, allowing users to stack multi-buy deals with membership discounts. Essentially, they allowed us to set up stores to cater to a wide range of customer requirements that might not have been covered by out-of-the-box Shopify store functionality.
Now you might be wondering, if Scripts were so useful then why are Shopify getting rid of them?
Well, let’s talk a bit about the new Shopify Functions – and the power they give us to go even further.
Introducing Shopify Functions
Shopify Functions presents itself as the clear solution for a seamless transition from Shopify Scripts. Functions enable merchants to achieve similar functionality to what they’re used to, while leveraging Shopify's modern infrastructure and powerful tools. With Functions, you can continue to customise pricing, apply discounts, manage shipping rules, and control payment options as part of an efficient, sustainable and fully-integrated shopping experience.
The process of setting up Shopify Functions will require you to have an app – created and deployed by a developer, before being installed to your Shopify store. With this in place, all the features previously available through Shopify Scripts can still be deployed.
While the move to Shopify Functions will require a little planning and adaptability on the part of retailers, ultimately, the improved features available and the breadth of use cases for Shopify Functions means that your store and business will be better off for it.
The Benefits of a Shopify Functions Migration
Some of us thrive on change. But for other people, it might be frustrating to have your established Shopify Scripts services deprecated leaving you the task of setting up new tools. However, there’s good news too, and we can point to five benefits that a Shopify Functions migration is able to offer:
Continuity and future-proofing
By migrating to Functions, you ensure the continued operation of critical functionalities that were previously handled by Scripts. This ensures a seamless shopping experience for your customers and avoids any disruptions to your business operations. Moreover, as Functions are supported and maintained by Shopify, you can rest assured that your ecommerce platform remains up to date and fully future-proof.
Improved performance and scalability
Shopify Functions are designed to leverage Shopify's robust infrastructure, resulting in enhanced performance and scalability. Functions are executed in a serverless environment, allowing for efficient processing and reduced response times. As your business grows, Functions can effortlessly handle increased traffic and adapt to the demands of your expanding customer base.
Simplified development and maintenance
Unlike Scripts, which required manual installation and updates, Functions are seamlessly integrated into the Shopify platform. This integration significantly simplifies the development and maintenance process, saving you time and effort – or else, reducing the cost of hiring a developer. With Functions, you can focus on enhancing your ecommerce capabilities rather than managing complex scripts.
Enhanced security and compliance
Shopify Functions operate within Shopify's secure infrastructure, ensuring the protection of sensitive customer data. As a merchant, you can be confident that your ecommerce store remains compliant with industry standards and regulations. Shopify's commitment to security and data privacy provides peace of mind for both you and your customers.
Access to advanced features
Migrating to Functions opens the door to a whole range of advanced features and tools offered by Shopify. You can take advantage of additional functionalities, such as AI-powered personalisation, advanced analytics, and integrations with third-party services. These features empower you to create bespoke shopping experiences, to optimise your marketing strategies, and expand your ecommerce capabilities.
Let’s Talk About Your Shopify Functions Migration!
With Shopify Scripts being phased out by 13 August 2024, many merchants are going to be left with no choice but to find alternative tools for powering their store functionality. But hopefully we’ve demonstrated how a migration to Shopify Functions can also unlock a whole range of new advantages for your online business.
Given our years of experience working with Shopify, on all sorts of migration and development projects, we are ideally placed to help you through the process of a Shopify Functions migration – and given that the inevitable change is coming next year, our advice would be to start getting used to the new system as soon as possible.
A well-managed Shopify Functions migration can be a seamless transition, and one which will ensure continuity, performance, and scalability for your ecommerce business. By embracing Functions, you not only maintain the functionality previously provided by Scripts, but also gain access to advanced features, simplified development, improved security, and enhanced performance.
So don’t get caught short when Shopify Scripts is discontinued! Get in touch with us now, and let’s talk about getting you up and running with Functions.
Update: In October 2023, the end of life date for Shopify Scripts was extended from August 13, 2024 to August 28, 2025
