Killing the External CMS: Using Shopify Metaobjects to Build a Custom Relational Database

A conventional workflow that a Shopify Developer would follow in the case of a complicated data demand was straightforward: go beyond the platform. It was either a dedicated Content Management System (CMS) 'such as Sanity or a custom-built middleware database, but the idea was always the same one, to store structured, relational data that could not be provided by the native architecture of Shopify.

But with "Shopify 2.0" the times have changed. As Metaobjects come in and mature, the external CMS requirement is quickly disappearing. You are now a Shopify expert developer with the ability to create an advanced relational database right inside the admin and maintain a lean tech stack and fast site.

1. The Architecture of a Shopify developer: Going Beyond Flat Data

Shopify had a historical weakness of having a flat data structure. The metafields enabled us to append additional strings or integer values to products but not to enable us to do actual relational modeling. Assuming that you needed to connect one "Designer Bio" with fifty products, you would have to copy that information fifty times or get it through an external API.

Learning the Metaobject Definition

This is altered by the use of metaojects as independent objects. Consider a Metaobject as a table of a database. The Metaobject Definition is defined by you with certain fields, text, images, URLs and even references to other objects. After defining, you are free to add "Entries" (rows in your table) that exist autonomously of your products or collections.

References and Relational Mapping

The actual strength of Shopify Developer is the field type called Reference. You will be able to make a Metaobject of Brand Ambassadors and then a Product Metafield that will also reference that particular object. This establishes a one-to-many relationship in which there is only one source of truth, i.e., the profile of the ambassador; this source of truth is displayed into many product pages.

2. Ending the Tax on External CMS

It seems like a prerequisite of enterprise level stores to use an external CMS, but it carries a tax which is both financial and technical. Each external request to a CMS API causes latency to your page and complexity to your code.

Lessening API Overhead and Latency

When you store your structured data in Shopify Metaobjects, the data can be accessed as a part of the Liquid or Storefront API context. This implies zero additional DNS queries and no delays whilst waiting for your third party server to answer. 

Automating the Merchant Experience

External CMS sites usually have a high learning curve on the clients. You can create your relational database within Shopify to offer a single pane of glass experience. Merchants will be able to handle their inventory, as well as their complicated content models (store locators, ingredient glossaries, or FAQ libraries) without having to leave the Shopify Admin.

3. Relational Metaobject High-Level Use Cases

In order to actually kill external CMS, one must learn how to model complex situations that have previously needed external assistance.

Specifications of the Advanced Product

In the case of B2B or technical stores, just description is not sufficient. You may design a Metaobject with a "Technical Specs" and add the fields of voltage, material, and dimensions. When you mention these in a list, you are able to create comparison tables that are globally updated. 

Editorial Content and Multi-Object Lookbooks

The High-end Shopify stores will be editorial commerce in the future. You may create a "Lookbook" Metaobject, which is a reference to a "Model" Metaobject and a "Location" Metaobject, and includes a reference to a list of products, a Product List. 

4. The Strategies of Implementing the Modern Shopify Developer

Moving to a Metaobject-first architecture means that you will have to change your theme code writing style.

Liquidity Integration and Performance

Access of Metaobjects in Liquid is not only easy but it needs deliberate action. The metaobjects object is used in place of hardcoding content.

Headless: Using the Storefront API

In case you are developing a Hydrogen or a custom headless system, Metaobjects are a nightmare. GraphQL Storefront API enables you to fetch your Metaobjects and their references (including nested ones) in one query in an efficient manner. 

Summary

The days of the Default Requirement of the External CMS are gone. In the case of a Shopify Developer, it is possible to create a custom relational database using Metaobjects, which would result in shorter load times, reduce the monthly payments of clients, and create a significantly more streamlined development process. With the tools of Mastering Metaobject definitions and relational mapping you can create stores not only that you can shop in, but are content-rich powerhouses.

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