eCommerce store using CodeIgniter and WordPress

Developing an #eCommerce store using CodeIgniter and WordPress involves leveraging the strengths of both platforms: CodeIgniter for custom application development and WordPress for content management and eCommerce functionalities. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

1. Planning and Requirements Gathering

Define the Project Scope: Outline the features and functionalities of the eCommerce store (e.g., user authentication, product management, shopping cart, order processing, payment gateways).

Technology Stack:

??Backend: CodeIgniter (PHP)

??CMS: WordPress

??Database: MySQL

??Payment Gateways: Stripe, PayPal, etc.

??Others: Redis for caching, Docker for containerization

2. Setting Up the Development Environment

Install CodeIgniter:

composer create-project codeigniter4/appstarter ecommerce-store
cd ecommerce-store
php spark serve        

Install WordPress:

??Download and install WordPress from wordpress.org.

??Set up a WordPress site and configure the database.

3. Database Design

Tables:

? Users

? Products

?Categories

?Orders

?Order Items

?Payments

?Addresses

4. Backend Development with CodeIgniter

User Authentication:

?Implement authentication and authorization.

Migrations:

php spark make:migration create_products_table
php spark migrate        

Models and Controllers:

php spark make: model Product
php spark make: controller Product        

Routes: Define routes in app/Config/Routes.php.

Services and Repositories: Implement service classes for business logic and repository classes for database interactions.

5. WordPress Integration

?WooCommerce Installation: Install and activate the WooCommerce plugin for WordPress. Configure WooCommerce settings for products, payments, and shipping.

?Theme and Plugins: Choose and customize a theme that integrates well with WooCommerce.Install essential plugins for SEO, security, and performance.

6. Frontend Development

?Set Up WordPress Theme: Customize the WooCommerce-compatible theme to match your design requirements.

?Custom CodeIgniter Integration: Develop custom functionalities in CodeIgniter and integrate them with WordPress using REST APIs or custom plugins.

?API Integration: Create services to interact with CodeIgniter APIs from WordPress.

?Components: Header, Footer, ProductList, ProductDetail, Cart, Checkout, etc.

7. Implementing Core Features

?Product Management: Admin panel to manage products, categories, and inventory using WooCommerce.

?User Management: Registration, login, profile management in CodeIgniter.

?Shopping Cart: Add, update, and remove items from the cart using WooCommerce functionalities.

?Order Processing: Checkout process, order summary, and payment integration.

?Payment Integration: Implement payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal.

?Notifications: Email notifications for order confirmation, shipment, etc.

8. Testing

?Unit Testing: Write tests for individual components and services.

?Integration Testing: Test the integration between different parts of the application.

?End-to-End Testing: Use tools like Cypress to test the entire user flow.

9. Deployment

?Server Setup: Use cloud services like AWS, DigitalOcean, or Heroku.

?CI/CD Pipeline: Set up continuous integration and deployment pipeline.

?Docker: Containerize the application for easy deployment and scaling.

?SSL Certificate: Secure the application with HTTPS.

10. Monitoring and Maintenance

?Logging: Implement logging for tracking errors and user activities.

?Performance Monitoring: Use tools like New Relic or Google Analytics.

?Regular Updates: Keep the application and dependencies up-to-date.

Following these steps, you can develop a robust eCommerce store using CodeIgniter and WordPress. This approach leverages CodeIgniter for custom application logic and WordPress for easy content management and eCommerce functionalities, providing a comprehensive solution for your eCommerce needs.

Hire RND Experts to Develop Your Store Using These Stacks. Our experienced team leverages these technologies to create seamless and high-performing eCommerce solutions tailored to your business needs.

Contact us today to discuss your project and see how we can turn your vision into reality!