Category: magento developers

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magento developers

Magento Product Types: A Complete Guide by Magento Developers

If you’re an eCommerce business owner, you’ll be aware of Magento as one of the best eCommerce platforms capable of thriving business success.

With Magento 2 offering enhanced functionality and improved performance to both the users and Magento Developers, there’s no doubt that it is the first preference among huge eCommerce giants to set up their online store.

When we talk about the product support on Magento 2, the list is endless! Magento 2 supports multiple product types within its catalog. Here are some of the Magento product types that you ought to know.

Simple Products

A simple product in Magento is defined as a physical product with only one SKU. These products have a variety of pricing along with input controls making it easier to sell a number of varieties of a single product. These products can be used along with other product types like-Grouped, Configurable, and Bundled.

Grouped Products

A grouped product represents several products as a group. One can simply provide variations of a single product or can quickly group it for promotion purposes. These grouped products in Magento can be purchased individually or in groups.

Configurable Products

A configurable product may seem like a single product along with some variation options but each option eventually represents a different product with a separate SKU. This helps in easy inventory tracking.

Bundle Products

This category of product lets the clients make their products with several options available. This bundle can either be a gift basket, or something similar that can be easily customized as per the needs. Every item in the bundle is a separate product.

Virtual Products

These are not physical/tangible products. These are mostly used as services, memberships, or subscriptions. These virtual products can be easily associated with bundled or grouped products.

Gift Cards

Gift cards can be sent via email or even as physical cards that can be shipped to an address. One can add these kinds of gift cards that are currently in trend using a Magento platform. These gift cards can be redeemed by a user while checking out after buying any product from the eCommerce store, says experienced Magento Developers.

Downloadable Products

A downloadable product contains files that can be downloaded by the user. These files are either provided through a unique URL or via a downloadable file through an email.

These are the product types that one can consider for their Magento platform and can improve their overall business growth.

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magento developers

Magento 2 Migration: A Brief Overview from Expert Magento Developer’s Perspective

Magento 2 has a lot more to offer than its predecessors, which is perhaps the reason why most of the SMEs prefer relying on this platform.

While we talk about huge brands that have already set up their eCommerce ventures on Magento 1 platform, they have already migrated to the latest release of the reliable eCommerce platform i.e. Magento 2.

Since most of the Magento Developers would suggest you to understand the basics of migrating to Magento 2, here we’ve clubbed some essential aspects associated with the overall process that every business owner ought to know.

Dive in here to know more about the process to upgrade your Magento 1 to Magento 2 platform.

Steps Involved in Migration Process

Upgrading from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is mainly completed in three major steps that include-

The Pre-Migration Stage

This stage is mainly to analyze the overall data and the content that needs to be migrated on the new platform. The entire blueprint of the process is created during the stage that includes- the total time to migrate, the design specifications, and analyzing the project outline.

The Migration Stage

In this step, the Magento Developer needs to set up the testing environment once the website is shifted to the new server. The developer moves themes, data, plugins, content, and all extensions from Magento 1 to Magento 2. This is perhaps the crucial step that must be executed by the developer.

The Post Migration Stage

This is the final stage in which one needs to synchronize the order history along with the customer data that ensures a flawless migration to an enhanced version of the platform.

One should keep in mind that the overall migration process isn’t quick and may consume a lot of time, which is the reason you must seek professional help to avoid any glitch.

Implementing extensions, custom development, data transfer, and plugin installation along with the assurance of seamless functionality takes a good amount of time.

The process depends on your business’s exact requirements. If you are seeking a migration for your small eCommerce business platform, you can expect the same in lesser time as compared to migrate a huge platform with thousands of products and complex data.

The Crux

As discussed, the entire process to migrate to a new advanced version of Magento is quite complex and one should prefer relying on Magento experts for the same to experience a flawless migration.

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magento 2 magento developers

How to Insert a Widget into Sidebar in Magento 2

Inserting Widget into sidebar in Magento2.

Widget is a broad term that can refer to either any GUI (graphical user interface) element or a tiny application that can display information and/or interact with the user. A widget can be as rudimentary as a button, scroll bar, label, dialog box or check box; or it can be something slightly more sophisticated like a search box, tiny map, clock, visitor counter or unit converter.

The Magento Developers and Designers have slog behind this a lot and designed the whole process quit effortlessly.

Now to insert a widget into Magento2 sidebar you need to submissive the following steps:

  • Configure a widget.
  • Configure a Layout update.

While configuring a widget you will also need to Select the Type, Complete the Layout Updates, and Place the Block.

Configure a widget

Owing to the fact that Widget is a predefined set of configuration options, it can be accessed in CMS Page of Magento2 Configuration.

To select the type :

Login to your Store Dashboard click on Content » Widgets.

Look at the upper right corner  of Widget you will find Add New Widget button,simply click on it.

  • Then Click the Setting button and type CMS Static Block in the Type  filed.
  • In Design Theme choose any current theme.
  • Tap continue.

You will be taken to Storefront Properties Section.Then  you will asked to enter an appropriate title for Widget.

In Assign to Store View filed you need to assign blocks for each store view.

If more than one block is placed in one container then Set Order , the top block is set as zero .

Complete the Layout Updates

Click on Layout Upadate in Layout Update section. Here you can specify the page, layout, category, product type or container to display your new widget.

Place the Block
  • From the Widget Option » Select Block ( choose one from the list) .
  • Click Save.
  • Click on the store front to check the view of the block.
Configure a Layout update.
  • From the Admin panel Content » Element » Blocks.
  • From the listed blocks select a block you want to choose and modify Identifier.
  • From the Admin panel Content » Element » Pages.
  • Select the Page where the block will be placed , then click on Edit .
  • In Layout Update XML box select the Design Tab and insert the following cord:
  • Change the Reference Name and Block ID according to the layout of the page.
  • Click Save Button.

 

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magento magento 2 Magento Developer magento developers Magento Expert Magento Programmers

Custom module Implementation Magento2

This topic gives you the idea that how magento specialist can create a custom Module for Magento2. Follow the 6 steps

  •  Create the module directory for the module
  •  Define the module by module.xml
  •  Register the module by registration.php
  •  Install setup and enable the module
  •  Route creation for the module
  •  Create controller and url action

 Create the module directory for the module :

We are using module vendor Toweringmedia and module name is Mymodule. So we need to create a new directory in :

app/code/Toweringmedia /Mymodule

Define the module by module.xml

We need declare the module definition in module etc directory. Magento 2 will use it to recognize the module’s name and module’s version from module.xml file. Create the file in this directory

app/code/Toweringmedia /Mymodule/etc/module.xml

And paste the following code in the file.

<?xml version=”1.0″?>
<config xmlns:xsi=”http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance” xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation=”urn:magento:framework:Module/etc/module.xsd”>
<module name=”Toweringmedia _Mymodule” setup_version=”1.0.0″ />
</config>

*  1.0.0 is the module version

Register the module by registration.php

Create the file registration.php in into the directory

app/code/Toweringmedia /Mymodule/registration.php

and add the following code there.

<?php
\Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar::register(
   \Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar::MODULE,
   ‘Toweringmedia _Mymodule‘,
   __DIR__
);

 

Install setup and enable the module

After we can install the module through cli command. Now open your terminal and run these command from magento root directory:

php bin/magento setup:upgrade

Route creation for the module

we need to init router name for the module before creating any controllers and actions.

Create the routers.xml file

app/code/Toweringmedia /Mymodule/etc/frontend/routes.xml

and add the following code there.

<?xml version=”1.0″?>
<config xmlns:xsi=”http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance” xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation=”urn:magento:framework:App/etc/routes.xsd”>
<router id=”standard”>
<route id=”toweringmedia” frontName=”mymodule”>
<module name=”Toweringmedia_Mymodule” />
</route>
</router>
</config>

Create controller and url action

In the final step, we need to create a url for displaying in browser: “My Module”.

Create the action file:

app/code/Toweringmedia/Mymodule/Controller/Index/Index.php

Add the following code

<?php
namespace Toweringmedia\Mymodule/Controller\Index;
 
class Index extends \Magento\Framework\App\Action\Action
{
 public function __construct(
\Magento\Framework\App\Action\Context $context)
 {
   return parent::__construct($context);
 }
 
 public function execute()
 {
   echo ‘My Module’;
   exit;
 }
}

 

Now open the link http://<magento_url>/mymodule/index/index you will the result “My Module“.

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magento developers

Picking the Optimum Magento Theme- A Brief Overview

Are you striving to pick the right Magento theme for your upcoming e-venture? Well, in that particular case, you have landed at the right place!

Magento is one of the most preferred e-commerce platforms that have tremendously altered the way people used to trade online. With advanced features like easy checkout, payment and shipping tracking, analytics, Magento is undeniable the top-notch framework for almost every business.

When it comes to choosing the best theme for your e-commerce platform, most of the Magento Developers recommend emphasizing numerous aspects. Here we would be sharing detailed information regarding these aspects that shouldn’t be missed while you are beginning the hunt for the finest Magento theme.

Pick the one that is Technologically Advance

It would be great to rely on a theme that is based on development and designing technologies like Bootstrap 3, CSS3, HTML5, and SASS. The compatibility of your website developed using Magento framework entirely depends on the precise use of HTML5 and CSS3.

There are plenty of themes out there that are responsive enough to adjust for any screen size and eventually, you can customize the same as per your needs. So, next time you are searching for a theme, make sure it is developed using the above-mentioned technologies.

Cross-Browser Compatibility

There is no hard and fast rule that your visitors would be using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox; make sure your Magento theme is compatible with every browser! Most of the paid Magento themes offer cross-browser compatibility; you need to check the same before you randomly pick any of the themes.

As per the renowned Magento Developers, there are several free tools available in the market that can lend a hand in checking the cross-browser compatibility of a Magento theme before you finalize the one for your e-trading platform.

Upgrades and Support

One of the crucial things you need to check regarding a theme is whether you would be getting the regular updates or what the update support period is. After the support period you may have to repurchase the theme for future major version changes. Also to keep in mind If you make alterations to the theme you may need to re-apply those changes after updating to the latest version. Generally though you don’t have to update your theme unless some really major changes have come out.

We at Toweringmedia.com make custom themes from scratch or can help you alter your purchased theme. Personally I like to get templates from Template Monster if in the case of needing to keep a project cost down.

These are some simple ways that can ensure that you choose a reliable theme for your e-commerce platform built in Magento.

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magento developers

Woocommerce Vs Magento: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between Magento and Woocommerce is that Magento is a purpose-built store designed for ecommerce where as woocommerce is a plugin for wordpress a blogging program. Woocommerce can be a great low cost alternative to get a store started. Our recommendation is that once a store is up, running, and profitable, to then switch to Magento. Starting with Magento your going to need some budget to higher professional magento devleoeprs for support.  Your going to find that woocommerce is cheaper all around. Hosting, support, templates, plugins, upkeep, etc. Magento is more expensive but offers a better shopping experience to the customer. It allows you to tag items with attributes so you can filter by results. Think of being on amazon and using the filters on the left. Only a good platform like Magento is going to be able to offer these filters in this way. There will be some filterability on woocommerce just not to the level that Magento can offer.

The bottom line is if your budget is say less then a few thousand per year then stick with woocommerce. If you have a decent annually budget for your store then Magento is the right choice.

We are woocommerce, and Magento consultants please give us a call to discuss what is the best platform of choice for you. We will go over budget, and what you need as far as functionality.

 

From the past few years, considerable growth has been discovered in e-commerce sector. A large number of players are viewed to explore business opportunities in this field. For starting an e-commerce business, selecting the correct platform might be a decisive factor. Why so? It’s because this will result in ultimate success or failure. It won’t be an easy task to end up with two e-commerce solutions, i.e. Magento and Woocommerce. It can be said that these options are perfect for your online business.

Here, in this post, you will have a light on these popular platforms.

Magento as well as Woocommerce are highly popular and equipped with the basic factors which might make your online store functional. Incorporation of Google analytics in order to keep a track of the behavior of customers on site, support customization, and several different features that suit their business needs.

Outline

Woocommerce can be installed with ease with the assistance of the WordPress plugin. It’s best served with any CMS (Content Management System). On the other hand, Magento is a dedicated e-commerce platform with advanced characteristics designed to execute business functions.

Distinctive Characteristics

In case this is your startup, then woocommerce is perfect for your site. You can give a rating to your products, publish the best seller, and many more. If you want more characteristics, then you can have them by means of plugins. These are good for this platform.

On the other side, Magento has the ability to handle all the wants of an emerging business. You can function them more from one account, handle a large number of products, also execute up-selling and cross-selling of your products. In addition, you can add discount codes and let your customers compare products and execute an advanced search.

Affordable

As an open source, both are freely customizable and available. However, when a business expands, they incur cost and you want added functionalities for supporting the increasing needs of business.  Since Woocommerce is based on WordPress, it enables lower costs and easy extension of functionalities. Though Magento community version if free, but its enterprise version is costly. Hence, before making the selection of platform of your online store, you must know about your business objectives. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek the services of expert Magento Developers.

Handled with Ease

In case you prefer WordPress, then initiate with woocommerce. Then, customize your website to the full within a minimum amount of time. On the other side, Magento requires a little expertise to give details of benefits and characteristics. It consumes time in setting up and customization as well.

Search Engine Optimization

If you take into account the weight, then Woocommerce seems to be SEO-friendly. It’s because it is a lower server load than Magento. However, there are different factors such as the title of a page, Meta description, independent control of URLs, and many more that enables a website to become search engine friendly.

As if now, you have a clear idea regarding these two e-commerce platforms, it’s the right time to do a reality check for your business. With this, you will discover which one is appropriate for your business. For any kind of help, you can get in touch with e-commerce specialists for an effective solution.

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magento developers

Magento Authorize.net End MD5 Hash Direct Post

As per the article published on Authorize.Net, this is what we found.

In short. Yes they are ending direct post or DPM method and you need to take action now. You can no longer create md5 hash keys, your payment gateway will be cut off around may.

Magento 1 there are two options which is suggested by Magento Developers. the Direct Post and just simply authorize.net  If your using the direct post method this will no longer work change that to use the authorize.net method.

Magento 2 I am assuming the next release of magento 2 will include this authorize.net extension but until it is included you can install this from the marketplace.

https://marketplace.magento.com/authorizenet-magento-module-authorizenet.html

Or you can find another extension available like the CIM method that allows you to store CC on authorize.net servers for future use so that your customers dont have to type their CC info in over again for every order.

Our magento developers can install this updated extension for you or recommend a good replacement like the CIM extensions that are available.

Full article 

Authorize.Net ending the use of MD5 based hash for transaction response verification to encourage the use of SHA-512 based hash utilizing a Signature Key.

MD5 Hash end of life will be done in the following two phases:

Phase 1: This phase started in later January to early February 2019. They removed the ability to update or configure the MD5 Hash setting in the Merchant Interface. But the existing API response will see no changes.

Phase 2: You don’t have to send the value for the MD5 Hash data element in the API response because the field will still be there but without any value. For this change, the date is expected to be announced in the next 2-3 months.

The transaction response that you will receive from Authorize.Net includes the SHA2 hash element and the name and position depend on the API integration method you have used. For the transaction, Authorize.Net has generated SHA2 that has field contains HMAC-SHA512 hash. You can use it to validate the response from Authorize.Net. However, it is not required to.

In the API response, transHashSHA2 is the SHA2 element for Authorize.Net API (XML, JSON, SOAP).

You can find the SHA2 element at the end of the API response for Advance Integration Method (AIM). However, the updates are in progress for the same.

Only 3 fields are involved in the SHA2 Hash for Authorize.Net API and AIM. They are:

  • API Login ID
  • Transaction ID
  • Amount

x_SHA2_Hash is the SHA2 element for Server Integration Method (SIM) and if you want to utilize Replay Response. For this too, updates are in progress.

There are 30 fields involved in the SHA2 Hash for SIM + Relay Response and Silent Post. They are:

  • x_trans_id
  • x_test_request
  • x_response_code
  • x_auth_code
  • x_cvv2_resp_code
  • x_cavv_response
  • x_avs_code
  • x_method
  • x_account_number
  • x_amount
  • x_company
  • x_first_name
  • x_last_name
  • x_address
  • x_city
  • x_state
  • x_zip
  • x_country
  • x_phone
  • x_fax
  • x_email
  • x_ship_to_company
  • x_ship_to_first_name
  • x_ship_to_last_name
  • x_ship_to_address
  • x_ship_to_city
  • x_ship_to_state
  • x_ship_to_zip
  • x_ship_to_country
  • x_invoice_num