The DIY Shopify Coding Handbook by Ed Codes: is it worth buying?
If you’re a Shopify store owner or designer looking to dip your toes into coding without the overwhelm of a full course, The DIY Shopify Coding Handbook offers a focused, practical guide. It’s designed for non-developers who want to understand the basics of HTML, CSS, and Shopify Liquid — enough to tweak themes and add custom functionality, but not so much that you’re lost in the weeds. The key question is: does it deliver on its promise of being a “handbook” that you can refer to while working on your store? And does it justify its $20 price tag?
Quick answer
| Best for | Shopify store owners, designers, or entrepreneurs who want a clear, practical guide to coding Shopify themes — not a full course, but a useful reference. |
| Skip if | You need a full developer course, advanced Liquid coding, or a downloadable PDF version of the content. |
| Price | $20 |
| Format | Online (hosted on Notion), ~60 pages, with unlimited lifetime updates |
| One-line take | A $20 online handbook with 60 pages of practical Shopify coding basics — ideal for store owners and designers who want a reference, not a full course. |
What you’re actually buying
The DIY Shopify Coding Handbook is an online-only resource hosted on Notion, accessible via a link you receive after purchase. It’s not a downloadable PDF or ePub — you’ll read it in your browser. That might be a dealbreaker for some, but it also means the content is constantly updated, and you get lifetime access without paying again. The handbook is structured into two main chapters: the first covers the languages used in Shopify (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Liquid, and JSON), and the second dives into Shopify’s theme architecture, including theme.liquid, templates, sections, and config files.
What stands out is the practical focus. Ed Codes emphasizes that this isn’t a comprehensive developer guide — it’s the 20% of knowledge that store owners and designers will use most often. Each chapter includes exercises on Codepen.io, giving you a chance to practice what you learn. It’s not just theory — it’s actionable.
One reviewer noted how the handbook’s structure makes it easy to reference while working on a store, calling it “a gem for anyone diving into the world of Shopify coding.” Another praised the clarity of the chapters and how well they align with Ed Codes’ YouTube tutorials. Both comments highlight the value of having a concise, well-organized guide that you can turn to when you’re in the middle of a project.
The handbook is approximately 60 A4 pages long, and it’s available in an online format that allows for unlimited updates. This means that as Shopify’s platform evolves, the handbook will also evolve, ensuring that users always have access to the most up-to-date information. The online format also means that the content is accessible from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to refer to while working on a Shopify store.
Why it’s on our radar
What makes The DIY Shopify Coding Handbook stand out is its specificity — it’s not a course, not a full guide, but a handbook that’s meant to be used as a reference while working on a Shopify store. This is a rare angle in the Shopify learning space, where most options either go too deep (for developers) or too shallow (for complete beginners). Ed Codes has carved out a niche for the “DIY” store owner or designer who wants to understand just enough to make meaningful changes to their theme, without getting lost in the code.
The lifetime updates and online-only format are also worth noting. It’s not a static PDF — it’s a living document that evolves with Shopify’s platform. That’s a smart move for a handbook that’s meant to be used in the moment, not just read once.
What actually matters
- It’s not a downloadable PDF — it’s hosted online. If you prefer having a local copy, this might not be the right fit. But if you want something that’s always up-to-date, this is a strong point.
- It’s not a full course — it’s more like a focused, practical reference. That’s a good thing if you want to pick up concepts as you need them, not sit through a full curriculum.
- Exercises on Codepen are included, which is a nice touch for hands-on learners who want to try out what they’re reading.
- Aligns with Ed Codes’ YouTube tutorials — if you’ve followed his content before, this handbook is a great companion to his videos.
Mid-check
FAQ
What format is the handbook in? It’s hosted online, not a downloadable PDF — you’ll access it via a link after purchase.
Is this suitable for complete beginners? Yes, but it’s not a full beginner’s course. It’s structured for people who want a reference guide to use while working on their store.
Does it include exercises or practice? Yes, each chapter includes exercises on Codepen.io for hands-on learning.
Bottom line
If you’re a Shopify store owner or designer looking for a practical, reference-style guide to coding Shopify themes — not a full course, but a useful tool to keep open as you work — The DIY Shopify Coding Handbook is a solid choice at $20. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it delivers exactly what it promises.