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by knappador 4566 days ago
I wish they would just re-implement the whole thing on top of a hybrid API with reference FOSS implementations of web client servers and client apps so that programmers can pick-and-choose how much PaaS they need. Please get the "apps" on the backburner by letting FOSS compete head-to-head with the little mini-ISV's and their inevitable hodge-podge. Payments and 90% of inventory schlogg can take a hike, but when it comes to that 10% of customization, working on one's own source is so much better that I would use a fully FOSS solution and self host it if I ever needed to do an e-commerce site again for anyone for any reason in any circumstances. Shopify apps and most of the backend customization options really blur the line between software consumers and software users while ignoring that true consumers never want to become users in the first place and true users want total, absolute headroom. Whole world is better off if Shopify is FOSSier.
2 comments

> working on one's own source is so much better that I would use a fully FOSS solution and self host it if I ever needed to do an e-commerce site again

Except now instead of focusing on the other aspects of your business you need to focus on the infrastructure as well. What if your products get super popular? Not you'll need to work on scaling out your store which will cost a boatload in equipment and specialization.

I work in an incubator/accelerator space in the UK, and there's a new team who are working on a FOSSier, more flexible e-commerce platform called Molt.in You should see if their solution fits with your desired philosophy. It's definitely hitting a pain point that a lot of developers feel when they are forced into "off-the-shelf" solutions like Shopify, that aren't quite flexible enough for their particular needs.