The Problems of Opencart Theme Development

What is Opencart?

Opencart is an incredible platform for e-commerce websites. Many website owners around the world prefer Opencart for various reasons. It has plenty of features for the customization of product pages that facilitate better navigation and conversions.

Apart from this, there are plenty of themes with splendid features that can be easily customized as per your preference. The reason for the availability of varied themes is because of the low entry point for developers.

The problem with Opencart Themes

Low entry point has its advantages and disadvantages. Agreed, it allows for wide array of themes that can be installed on the website. But, most of the times, it results in compatibility issues.

Here, we try to analyze different issues associated with Opencart theme development.

Not Abiding by Guidelines

Most of the theme issues occur when theme developers do not follow the guidelines. Opencart has not listed all the requirements and steps that need to be followed when designing a theme.

Most of the developers don’t work hard to construct a fully compatible theme. For example, if an installed theme doesn’t provide a template for a particular listing page, Opencart reverts to the default theme. It will display the contents of that particular page on the template of the default theme. It is called fallback technique where in the case of any errors, default theme comes to the rescue.

It leads to the problem of upgrading the themes. Most of the theme developers don’t focus on solving the problems. They simply believe in copying the files for the sake of upgrading the theme.

Setting the Standard

Theme issues are very common in Opencart. It is evident from the forum discussions that are mostly about theme compatibility issues. The reason for this blunder is the low entry point.

Opencart theme guide doesn’t provide strict guidelines and therefore, developers don’t need to work hard for a good theme with minimum flaws. Low entry point allows everyone to publish their work easily and that is the reason for some beautiful themes are available on Opencart. But, the internal structure is full of errors that make it hard to work with.

The solution for this grave mistake is to upgrade the Theme Guide. Opencart should strive to make strict guidelines that enable developers to follow the code and prevent any compatibility issues.

Opencart should mention the accepted guidelines for HTML elements, classes, and IDs. A developer will not be able to upload a theme without adhering to these guidelines. The main reason for the breakdown issues is the changing of the elements that interact with the JavaScript code.

When there will be stricter guidelines, it will significantly help in reducing the breakdown issues.

Adding Prefix

Another solution to this problem lies in prefixing the elements in the stylesheet. Opencart should add a prefix to the special elements of the page.

For example, if there is an element basket, Opencart can prefix it with open-basket. This can be the solution for leaving the JavaScript untouched. Moreover, you can add a statement stating that the prefixed elements or classes should not be renamed. It will prevent any obvious errors that could occur.

Adding prefix to the modules of Opencart themes can also be beneficial. This way, you can customize the modules as per your preference. Moreover, you can add different extensions, like JavaScript for some added features. Of course, this will increase the page size, but it will also result in adding special features to that module.

A Base Theme

Opencart should consider about developing a globally accepted theme that could be the base theme for development, just like HTML5 Boilerplate theme. Currently, Opencart does not have this kind of theme. Opencart should develop this theme using HTML5 markup, minimal CSS3 and including microdata.

Moreover, Opencart should make sure that it cannot be copied by any developer. This base theme will be fully semantic with special prefixed elements. Moreover, Opencart should consider about the indentation of the theme. The theme should be presentable and easy for navigation through the page.

Need to be Responsive

There is an increment in the number of smartphone users. Therefore, the responsiveness of the theme is a necessity. It could be easily done inserting set class elements. Presently, the responsive themes are offered in premium versions. When Opencart develops a responsive style in the base theme, it could be highly beneficial for the developers and users.

Opencart could also incorporate Twitter Bootstrap framework for web development in the proposals theme. The main advantage of using Bootstrap is that it allows customizing of CSS styles with fewer variables.

These are the possible solutions for fixing the existing bugs in Opencart theme development. Of course, there could be opinions in favor and against these suggestions.

However, the current standard of theme development is the cause of most of the problems. With the above-listed suggestions, Opencart can provide a better development platform for the eCommerce websites with a better user experience.

Investing in the Right Opencart Theme Development

What you need is the right developer to guide you. If you have a new project and are still figuring out what is right for you, do not worry. Invest in the right OpenCart Development Services to get the best results – you surely will not be disappointed.