PrestaShop is a powerful platform for creating online stores that offers vast opportunities for customization and scaling. However, due to its complexity and flexibility, it can be a real challenge for beginner developers. While PrestaShop is available for free, it doesn't mean that anyone can easily work with it. In this article, we will discuss common mistakes made by beginner developers on PrestaShop and explore why there are so few skilled developers on the platform.
1. Not Studying the Documentation
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the official documentation. Many beginner developers start developing modules or customizing the platform without fully understanding how PrestaShop works. The PrestaShop documentation is extensive and includes detailed explanations of the code structure, module creation, and platform configuration. Without a thorough study of the documentation, developers can easily fall into the trap of making mistakes that could have been avoided.
2. Not Using Class Overriding
One of the main reasons why PrestaShop systems may "break" during updates is improper use of overrides. Many beginners don't know that when changing PrestaShop core code or existing classes, they should use the override mechanism. This ensures that custom solutions are preserved during platform updates. Ignoring this principle may result in having to reintroduce changes after every update.
3. Changing PrestaShop Core
Another mistake is directly modifying the PrestaShop core. Sometimes beginner developers try to add necessary functionality by editing the platform's source code. This can lead to numerous problems in the future, as any updates to PrestaShop may overwrite their changes. It also breaks the modularity and scalability principles of the system. It's better to use modules, which allow easy integration of new features without changing the core code.
4. Not Using Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
PrestaShop is built on object-oriented programming (OOP) principles. Many beginner developers, especially those used to working with simpler engines, do not apply OOP in their work with PrestaShop. This can lead to inefficient code that is difficult to maintain and scale. OOP enables the creation of more structured and flexible solutions that are easier to maintain and improve.
5. Ignoring Software Design Principles
In addition to OOP, it is also important to follow general software design principles, such as separation of concerns, encapsulation, design patterns, etc. Beginner developers often neglect these principles, which can lead to the creation of code that is difficult to maintain and extend. PrestaShop requires knowledge of these principles in order to create high-quality and easily maintainable solutions.
6. Neglecting Performance
When working with PrestaShop, it is important to keep performance in mind. Some beginners start adding new features without considering how this will affect the store's speed. This can lead to slow page loading, especially if the store has a large number of products. Performance evaluation and code optimization are critical steps in development.
7. Skipping Testing
Testing is a crucial aspect of any development process, but beginner developers often skip this stage, thinking it's unnecessary. However, without proper testing, errors in the code can lead to malfunctions and functionality issues. It is important to conduct tests at each stage of development, including module testing, performance testing, and compatibility testing with other system components.
8. Neglecting Security
Security is always a priority for online stores. However, beginner developers often overlook security measures such as protection against SQL injections, secure handling of user data, and protection against XSS attacks. This can lead to serious vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious users. To develop secure solutions, it is essential to carefully study the platform’s security features and follow best practices.
9. Lack of Understanding of PrestaShop Architecture
PrestaShop has its own unique architecture, which differs from many other systems. Developers unfamiliar with this architecture may encounter difficulties when integrating new features and modules. It is important to understand how the system is structured and how to properly work with its components to avoid implementation errors and ensure long-term functionality.
10. Underestimating the System's Complexity
PrestaShop is a complex system that requires serious knowledge. Unlike simpler engines such as 1C-Bitrix or OpenCart, where one can quickly write code and not worry too much about its quality, working with PrestaShop requires an understanding of web development, including database management, network technologies, and many other aspects. Many beginner developers mistakenly think that building a site is easy, but in reality, they need to learn many facets of the system to create quality and scalable solutions.
Why Are There So Few Developers on PrestaShop?
One of the reasons why there are so few developers on PrestaShop is that working with this platform requires serious knowledge. Unlike simpler engines such as 1C-Bitrix or OpenCart, where developers can quickly write "quick and dirty" code and no one will notice, PrestaShop demands adherence to object-oriented design principles and a deep understanding of the system's architecture. This requires a professional approach and a lot of experience.
Additionally, because PrestaShop is free and open-source, many clients seek to save money and hire cheaper developers who don't understand the platform. These clients often don’t see the code; they only observe how the store operates. When problems arise, they blame the platform itself, not realizing that the issue lies in poorly written code.
PrestaShop is a powerful and flexible platform for building online stores that offers vast customization opportunities. However, working with it requires serious knowledge of web development and software design principles. By avoiding common mistakes such as ignoring documentation, modifying the core, and misunderstanding the system's architecture, beginner developers can create quality and scalable solutions.
Contact us — we have over 12 years of experience working exclusively with PrestaShop. We specialize in custom development, design, support, and module creation for PrestaShop. PrestaShop continues to rapidly evolve, utilizing the latest technologies to allow you to build modern online stores.
Leave a comment below with your thoughts or experience working with PrestaShop. What mistakes would you add to this list?
