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!