There are three main types: public, private and custom. Call us to discuss the private and custom Shopify apps installation, since we will be developing these types of integrations for your Shopify store. These are not listed in the Shopify app store and require special app links that only we can help you with.
Different Ways In Which Shopify Apps Work
There are several ways in which Shopify allows apps to communicate or integrate with your online store. A basic method is when an application changes your storefront theme.
The app injects some code, scripts, and styles into your Shopify theme. They collect data when customers browse your pages. Most of these apps belong to the so-called customer-facing apps group such as a popup with a discount that is shown to a visitor. Most of these apps help to generate more traction and sell.
Another method is to integrate the application through Shopify API. This method lets the app request for access to your store data and usually works with it.
Active Shopify merchants generate different data points such as products, collections, orders, customer visits, etc. The Shopify API access exposes such available data in real-time. Such data serves as an excellent foundation for utility applications. An example would be the app integration for inventory management or email marketing. They communicate via the Shopify API and the staff uses such apps in most cases. They use a combination of the API access and storefront theme customization.
Do note that Shopify uses web hook, which is a real-time notification technology. These web hooks act as their real-time notification channel for apps regarding products, orders, or any amendments in the inventory, products, and so on. Integrations use these web hook requests to know exactly when to act and what action should be taken.