Troubleshooting Shopify App Development: Resolving "npm run dev" Hang Issues
Understanding Shopify App Development Hangs: A Node.js Version Conflict
This article analyzes a recent Shopify Community forum discussion regarding issues encountered when running shopify app dev or npm run dev during Shopify app development. The original poster, AzeemMalik, reported that both commands were hanging, preventing the local development server from starting. This analysis will provide a clear solution based on the community's insights, focusing on Node.js version compatibility with the Shopify CLI.
The Problem: Node.js Version Incompatibility
AzeemMalik's initial post indicated the use of Shopify CLI version 3.88.1 and Node.js version 22.18.0:
Shopify CLI: 3.88.1
Node: v22.18.0The key insight, provided by Daniel-Smith, is that Shopify CLI does not fully support Node.js version 22.18.0. This incompatibility is the root cause of the hanging issue. The suggested solution involves downgrading the Node.js version to a supported version, specifically one below version 18.0.0, although other versions between 18 and 22 might work. AzeemMalik confirmed trying versions 20.18.0 and 18.20.5, but the problem persisted, reinforcing the need for a version lower than 18.
The Solution: Downgrading Node.js
The recommended solution is to downgrade the Node.js version to one officially supported by the Shopify CLI. While the exact compatible versions may vary depending on the CLI version, a version below 18.0.0 is a good starting point. Here's how to downgrade Node.js using common Node version managers:
Using nvm (Node Version Manager):
- Check installed Node versions:
nvm list - Install a supported Node version (e.g., 16.x):
nvm install 16 - Use the installed version:
nvm use 16 - Verify the active Node version:
node -v
Using n (Node Version Manager):
- Install a supported Node version (e.g., 16.x):
n install 16 - Verify the active Node version:
node -v
After downgrading, restart your terminal and try running shopify app dev or npm run dev again.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If downgrading Node.js doesn't immediately resolve the issue, consider the following:
- Clear npm cache: Sometimes, cached packages can cause conflicts. Try running
npm cache clean --force. - Update Shopify CLI: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Shopify CLI. Run
npm install -g @shopify/cli @shopify/appto update. - Check your app's dependencies: Review your app's
package.jsonfile for any outdated or conflicting dependencies. Update them as needed usingnpm update. - Try a different terminal: In rare cases, the terminal itself can cause issues. Try using a different terminal application.
- Raise the issue on Shopify .dev: As suggested by Abel_Lesle, consider posting the issue on the Shopify .dev forums for more direct support from Shopify engineers.
Key Takeaways for Shopify App Developers
- Node.js Version Compatibility: Always check the Shopify CLI documentation for the supported Node.js versions. Incompatibilities can lead to unexpected issues.
- Community Support: The Shopify Community forums are a valuable resource for troubleshooting and finding solutions to common problems.
- Systematic Troubleshooting: When encountering issues, follow a systematic approach: check versions, clear caches, update dependencies, and seek help from the community.
By understanding the importance of Node.js version compatibility and utilizing the resources available within the Shopify community, developers can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues encountered during Shopify app development, ensuring a smoother development experience.
The original forum thread can be found here: Shopify Community Forum Discussion