Understanding the Technology Behind Magento 2: A Simplified Guide by Kiwi Commerce

Magento 2 drives the success of many online businesses, but its advanced technology often operates behind the scenes. This guide offers an easy-to-understand look at some of the key features of Magento 2, explaining the tech that powers your store to keep everything running smoothly, even if you’re not technically inclined.

1. Cache Systems: Improving Speed and Efficiency

What Is It?
Magento 2 uses cache systems to store frequently requested data temporarily, speeding up your website’s loading time. Think of it as a digital filing system: instead of fetching the same data repeatedly, Magento pulls it from a pre-sorted “cache,” speeding up the process.

Why Does It Matter?

• Faster Page Loads: By storing frequently accessed data, Magento ensures your site loads quickly, so customers can view products and complete transactions more easily.
• Better User Experience: Speed is vital for keeping visitors on your site and reducing the likelihood of them leaving before making a purchase.

Types of Magento Cache:

• Full Page Cache (FPC): Saves complete web pages, so Magento simply serves the saved page rather than rebuilding it.
• Block Cache: Stores parts of a page, such as product lists, to avoid reloading them each time.

2. GraphQL: Streamlining Data Communication

What Is It?
GraphQL is a modern solution for data exchange between your site’s front-end and back-end. It’s more efficient than traditional APIs, allowing faster, more flexible data transfers between your website and server.

Why Does It Matter?

• Efficient Data Requests: GraphQL only asks for the exact data needed, instead of loading unnecessary information, similar to ordering a specific item from a menu.
• Faster Interactions: By loading only the necessary data, your store responds more quickly, providing a smoother user experience.

Benefit for Your Store:
GraphQL enhances Magento 2’s Progressive Web Application (PWA) features, delivering faster content without reloading entire pages, creating a dynamic, app-like experience for customers.

3. Progressive Web Applications (PWA): Merging Web and App Experiences

What Is It?
PWA technology allows your store to function like a mobile app without needing to download anything. Magento 2’s support for PWAs makes online shopping faster, more reliable, and more engaging, all without the need for an app installation.

Why Does It Matter?

• Optimised for Mobile: PWAs ensure your site loads quickly on mobile devices and even works offline in areas with low connectivity.
• Push Notifications: Engage customers with timely alerts about sales, promotions, or cart updates, just like a mobile app would.
• Better Than Regular Websites: PWAs cache content more effectively, improving performance and giving your store an app-like experience without taking up storage.

Breaking Down the Key Magento 2 Features:

• Cache System = Quicker Access
  Analogy: Like a librarian retrieving a book quickly, rather than waiting for it to be printed.
  User Benefit: Faster page loading, which improves customer satisfaction and engagement.
• GraphQL = Simplified Data Requests
  Analogy: GraphQL is like a waiter taking your exact order, rather than offering a full menu.
  User Benefit: Reduced data load, making browsing and transactions faster and smoother.
• PWA = App-Like Experience Without Downloading
  Analogy: PWAs make websites feel like apps, without requiring users to download anything.
  User Benefit: Seamless and fast performance, especially on mobile devices.

Why This Technology Matters for Online Store Owners

For merchants using Magento 2, these improvements bring numerous advantages:

• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Faster load times and improved mobile functionality provide a better shopping experience.
• Optimised Store Performance: Your site runs more reliably on all devices and platforms.
• Time and Cost Savings: Pre-built features like GraphQL save development time, making future upgrades easier.

At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in helping you harness the power of Magento 2’s advanced technology. Our expertise ensures your store is optimised for performance, speed, and customer engagement, helping your business thrive online.