Shopify CLI (Command Line Interface) is a developer tool that helps you build, test, and manage Shopify themes, apps, and custom storefronts right from your computer’s terminal. Instead of clicking around in the Shopify admin dashboard, you can type commands to get things done faster and more efficiently.

Let’s break it down simply: Imagine you’re building a website for a Shopify store. Normally, you’d log in to Shopify, upload theme files manually, and refresh the page every time you make a change. With Shopify CLI, you can make a change in your code editor and instantly see it live—without ever leaving your terminal. It’s like having a direct hotline to your store’s backend.

Here’s what Shopify CLI can do:

• Theme development: You can preview your theme locally, push updates to your store, and even pull theme files directly from your store.
• App development: It helps generate the starter code for Shopify apps, run local test environments, and connect apps to your store.
• Custom storefronts: For advanced users building with frameworks like Hydrogen (Shopify’s React-based toolkit), CLI offers built-in support.

To use Shopify CLI, you need basic knowledge of your computer’s terminal and must install it first. Shopify keeps it up-to-date, and as of 2025, it supports theme development with Online Store 2.0 features and integrates well with modern development workflows.

In short, Shopify CLI is like a power tool for developers working on Shopify—it saves time, avoids repetitive steps, and speeds up the development process.

Looking ahead, mastering Shopify CLI opens the door to more efficient theme customization, app creation, and better collaboration on Shopify projects.