How to Create a Custom Module in Magento 2 and Hello World Module?

• What is a Custom Module in Magento 2?

• Prerequisites for Creating a Custom Module in Magento 2

• 5 Steps to Create a Custom Module in Magento 2

• How to Create a Simple Hello World Module in Magento 2?

• 5 Advantages of Using Custom Magento Development

• Common Errors When Creating a Magento 2 Custom Module

• FAQs

• Summary

What is a Custom Module in Magento 2?

A Custom Module in Magento 2 is a structural element. It serves as a standalone package of code designed to add or modify specific features.

A custom module in Magento 2 improves existing ones for your store. It includes files like configuration, Magento PHP, and templates. It functions as a logical group of components. Custom modules let you create features, change default behaviors, or connect third-party tools. Creating a new module ensures your changes are easy to maintain with updates.

Prerequisites for Creating a Custom Module in Magento 2

1. A Proper Installation

• Magento Setup: It has been installed and works as expected on your system.

• Development Mode: Set your Magento store to Developer Mode. The mode displays error messages and allows you to debug issues. Use this command:

php bin/magento deploy:mode:set developer.

2. Understanding Magento 2 Architecture

• Vendor and Module Names: Define the vendor and module names. Use the format VendorName_ModuleName. Place the module in the correct folder, such as app/code/VendorName/ModuleName.

• Structural Element: Understand that each module integrates with the Magento core. It helps to add specific functionality.

• Module Dependencies: Learn how to define requirements in the module.xml file. This ensures the current module guides the required modules to function correctly.

3. Knowledge of Required Technologies

• PHP and Object-Oriented Programming: It is built using PHP and OOP principles. You should be comfortable with these concepts.

• XML Configuration: Modules use XML sitemap for configuration. Learn to write XML files for routes, layouts, and dependencies.

• Frontend and Backend Skills: Know the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is used for front-end tasks. For backend development, understand the PHP framework.

4. File System and Permissions

• Directory Structure: Create the directory under app/code. Use a structure like: app/code/VendorName/ModuleName that aligns with Magento’s guidelines.

• Folder Permissions: Ensure you have the correct permissions to generate files and folders in the Magento installation directory.

5. Familiarity with CLI

You must use the Magento 2 CLI for various tasks during module development. Important commands include:

• Enable/Disable Module:

php bin/magento module:enable VendorName_ModuleName php bin/magento module:disable VendorName_ModuleName

• Upgrade Scripts in Every Module:

php bin/magento setup:upgrade

• Clear Cache:

php bin/magento cache:flush

6. Database Knowledge

• Schema in Module: Understand how to define the database schema.

• Install and Upgrade Scripts: Write install and upgrade scripts for your module. These scripts help manage database changes as you implement a new version.

• Module’s Version: Ensure the module version indicates the current database schema version. Update it in the module.xml file as needed.

7. Development Environment

• Local Development Tools: Set up a local environment using tools like XAMPP or MAMP. These help with testing and debugging.

• Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Use an IDE to make coding easier.

• Version Control: Use Git or a version control system to track changes and manage your code.

8. Magento Documentation and Resources

• Magento Documentation: Refer to Magento’s official developer documentation for detailed guides. It helps to create custom modules.

• Community Resources: Join Magento forums and communities to get tips and support from other developers.

9. Debugging and Testing Skills

• Debugging Tools: Use tools like Xdebug to identify and fix errors in your code.

• Testing: Test your module in a staging environment before deploying it to production. It works correctly and meets all requirements.

10. Patience and Attention to Detail

• Focus on Details: Developing a customized module requires precision. Small mistakes can cause significant issues.

• Step-by-Step Process: Follow a structured approach to generate files. They help to test your code and make improvements.

5 Steps to Create a Custom Module in Magento 2

Step 1: Create the Folder for Your Module

• Understand Where to Put the Module:

  1. Use the app/code folder for a module for a specific project.

  2. For a reusable extension, use Composer to generate it and put it in the vendor folder.

• Decide on the Folder Structure:

  1. Modules for single projects go into the app/code and are added to the project’s repository.

  2. Reusable extensions should be placed in the vendor.

• Create the Folders:

  1. Open a command-line tool and navigate to the Magento 2 root directory.

  2. Run these commands:

mkdir app/code/VendorName

mkdir app/code/VendorName/ModuleName

3. Ensure you have permission to create these folders.

Step 2: Create the etc/module.xml File

• Purpose of module.xml:

It defines the module’s name, version, and dependencies.

• Create the Directory for module.xml:

Run the command:

mkdir app/code/VendorName/ModuleName/etc.

• Add Information in module.xml:

1. Use a text editor to open the file:

nano app/code/VendorName/ModuleName/etc/module.xml.

2. Insert the following:

<?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="VendorName_ModuleName" setup_version="0.0.1"> <sequence> <module name="Magento_Catalog"/> </sequence> </module> </config>.

3. The setup version informs Magento about the current version of the database schema. The <sequence> tag defines which modules your customized module relies on.

Step 3: Create the registration.php File

• Purpose of registration.php:

It supports Magento 2 to recognize and load your module.

• Create the File:

Run this command:

nano app/code/VendorName/ModuleName/registration.php.

• Add the Code:

1. Paste the following:

<?php use Magento\\Framework\\Component\\ComponentRegistrar; ComponentRegistrar::register( ComponentRegistrar::MODULE, 'VendorName_ModuleName', DIR );

2. The code registers your module with Magento by defining its type, name, and location.

Step 4: Activate Your Module

• Run the setup:upgrade Command:

Go to the Magento root directory and run:

php bin/magento setup:upgrade.

• Purpose of This Command:

It registers the module with Magento and upgrades the database schema if changes exist.

Step 5: Verify the Module

• Check if Your Module Works:

  1. Open the app/etc/config.php file. This file lists all active modules.

  2. Use this command to confirm your module is listed:

grep VendorName_ModuleName app/etc/config.php.

• Next Steps:

  1. At this stage, you have created a simple extension.

  2. You can now add features and functionality to your module.

How to Create a Simple Hello World Module in Magento 2?

Step 1: Create the Folder for the Hello World Module

• The module name is defined as VendorName_ModuleName. The first part is the vendor name, and the second is the module name. Follow the structure to create the folder:

app/code/Vendor/HelloWorld

• It is an important step in the folder structure of your module.

Step 2: Create the module.xml File

• In the app/code/Vendor/HelloWorld/etc folder, create the file named module.xml. The contents should look like this:

<?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="Vendor_HelloWorld" setup_version="1.0.0"> </module> </config>

• The file indicates the module version and defines the module's configuration.

Step 3: Create the registration.php File

• Add registration.php file with the following content:

<?php \Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar::register( \Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar::MODULE, 'Vendor_HelloWorld', **DIR** );

• The file is important to locate the module within the system. Register it with the Magento framework.

Step 4: Enable the Module

• To activate the module, run the following command line commands:

php bin/magento module:status

• You can also enable the module manually by editing the app/etc/config.php file and adding the following:

'Vendor_HelloWorld' => 1,

• After enabling the module, run these commands to complete the process:

bin/magento setup:upgrade

• Run the deploy command line to fix it:

php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy

• These commands ensure that Magento saves the current module’s configurations.

Step 5: Create a Controller

• Create the Routes

1. Define the route by creating the routes.xml file in the etc/frontend folder:

<?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 frontName="helloworld" id="helloworld"> <module name="Vendor_HelloWorld"/> </route> </router> </config>

2. The route will generate URLs like:

http://<yourhost.com>/helloworld/*

• Add the Action in the Controller

1. To add functionality, create a module directory and add the following file:

app/code/Vendor/HelloWorld/Controller/Index/Test.php

2. Here’s the content:

<?php namespace Vendor\HelloWorld\Controller\Index; class Test extends \Magento\Framework\App\Action\Action { public function execute() { echo "Hello World"; exit; } }

3. Run this command to clean the cache:

php bin/magento cache:clean

4. Visit this URL to see your Hello World message:

http://<yourhost.com>/helloworld/index/test.

5 Advantages of Using Custom Magento Development

1. Enhanced User Experience

• Customized Design and Layout

The Custom Magento widget lets you design a store that matches your brand. Adjust fonts, colors, and layouts to make your store stand out. It creates a memorable and engaging experience for shoppers.

• Improved Navigation

Custom development allows you to optimize your store’s navigation. You can organize categories, filters, and products in the directory. It helps customers find what they need faster, improving their shopping experience.

• Personalized Features

When you build a custom module, you can add personalized features. It includes product recommendations, dynamic pricing, and tailored content. These features make shopping easier for customers and help boost sales.

2. Scalability and Flexibility

• Support for Business Growth

A personalized module scales with your business. The Adobe Commerce can handle the changes smoothly. It keeps your store performing well as you grow.

• Third-Party Tool Integration

Custom development helps you integrate tools like payment gateways and shipping services. These integrations use the commands to improve your store’s functionality and simplify daily tasks.

• Custom Extensions and Modules

You can build a module to meet your specific business needs. Creating custom modules adds unique features that belong to this module. It makes your store stand out from competitors.

3. Performance Optimization

• Faster Page Load Times

Customization in the Magento platform allows developers to optimize your site. They improve code, use caching, and select the best hosting options. It reduces load times, improves SEO, and lowers bounce rates.

• Optimized Database Management

Managing the database schema and data efficiently is important for performance. Custom development ensures faster access to product and customer information. It is done by optimizing how the database works.

• Mobile-Friendly Designs

A personalized module ensures your store is responsive across devices. Unlike pre-made templates, custom designs adapt to different screen sizes. It provides a great shopping experience on mobile.

4. SEO-Friendly Features

• Custom URL Structures

Custom development lets you create URLs that are SEO-friendly and easy to read. These URLs make it simpler for search engines to index your site. It helps the customers to understand your ecommerce pages.

• Metadata Optimization

A personalized module lets you adjust metadata. It includes page titles, descriptions, and image alt tags. These changes improve your site’s ranking on search engines. It is more visible to customers.

• Content Management Control

When you build a module, you gain complete control over your content. You can create and optimize product descriptions, blogs, and other pages. It helps to attract organic traffic and improve your online store’s visibility.

5. Security and Data Protection

• Advanced Security Features

Custom modules allow you to add strong security measures. It includes firewalls and regular audits. These protections protect your store from cyber threats and help secure sensitive data.

• Industry Compliance

Custom Magento modules ensure your store meets standards like PCI DSS. Compliance builds customer trust and protects your business from legal risks.

• Data Encryption

Magento modules include encryption to safeguard sensitive information. It includes payment details and reduces the risk of breaches. It also increases customer confidence in your store.

Common Errors When Creating a Magento 2 Custom Module

Error	Details
Module Not Recognized	The vendor hierarchy is incorrect and does not follow app/code/VendorName/ModuleName. The registration.php file saves the current module’s version. It might be missing or misconfigured.
DB Tables Missing	Errors in the db_schema.xml file or missing install scripts prevent the database schema. It happens when the module’s version in a database is not updated correctly.
Dependency Missing	The module does not indicate the required module dependencies. It causes the module to be dependent on these components. This fails or does not load properly.
Class Not Found	The class's namespace does not match its file path. It breaks Magento’s PSR-4 autoloading rules and usually occurs when the file path does not align with the naming conventions.
Config Missing	The system.xml file may be missing or placed in the wrong location. Without it, functional code for Magento will not allow configuration options in the admin panel.

FAQs

1. What is the role of a module in Magento 2?

A module is a structural element that organizes specific features. It includes files like configurations, PHP classes, and templates. They help to add or change functionality in your store. Modules make it easier to customize your store and maintain changes during updates.

2. How can I create the module folder in the Magento store?

To create the module folder, go to the app/code directory and run these commands:

mkdir app/code/VendorName mkdir app/code/VendorName/ModuleName

The structure helps Magento recognize the module during setup. Make sure you have the correct permissions to create these folders.

3. Why is the module.xml file important in module development?

The module.xml file defines the module's name, version, and dependencies. It ensures Adobe Commerce can load and connect the module to the core modules. Without this file, Magento cannot identify or use your module.

4. Can I reuse the code from one module in another?

You can reuse code by creating plugins to be reused across projects. Follow development standards, such as using Composer. It helps to define dependencies in module.xml and maintain proper file structures. This ensures compatibility and reduces code duplication.

5. How do I verify if a module is properly installed?

Verify the installation by using this command:

php bin/magento module:status.

It lists all enabled and disabled modules. You can also check the app/etc/config.php file to confirm the module is active.

6. What makes a Magento 2 module development tutorial helpful?

A good tutorial explains generating files. It includes module.xml and registration.php. This sets up a database schema and uses Magento CLI commands. It should include clear instructions to help you build and test a module without errors.

Summary

Creating a Custom Module in Magento 2 involves making a directory. It adds key files like module.xml and registration.php. It helps to define dependencies and the database schema. Using Magento CLI commands to enable and integrate the module.

Consider the following advantages for the stores:

• Enhanced User Experience: Makes navigation simple and adds personalized shopping features.

• Scalability and Flexibility: Handles business growth and integrates third-party tools.

• Performance Optimization: Boosts site speed, reduces load times, and ensures mobile responsiveness.

• Security and Data Protection: Strong security measures are added to keep data safe.

Explore Magento hosting services to support the creation of custom modules for your ecommerce stores.