Magento 2 is a powerful and flexible eCommerce platform that allows store owners to customize their online stores to their liking with its robust architecture and a wide range of features. The administrators who manage the eCommerce stores need an in-depth understanding of Magento 2 architecture to make the most of the platform.
In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of Magento 2 architecture that administrators need to know.
Table of Contents
Overview of Magento 2 Architecture
Magento 2 follows a modular architecture that utilizes several modules to create an eCommerce store. The platform is built on top of PHP and uses several software design patterns to make it scalable and flexible.
The Magento 2 architecture is based on the following fundamental components:
EAV (Entity Attribute Value): A flexible data model that allows administrators to add custom attributes to different entities (products, categories, customers, etc.) without modifying the database schema.
MVC (Model-View-Controller): A software design pattern that separates the application logic into three layers: the Model represents the data and business logic, the View represents the user interface, and the Controller handles requests and manages the flow of data between the Model and the View.
Dependency Injection: A design pattern that allows for loose coupling between classes by injecting dependencies instead of hard-coding them.
Modules in Magento 2 Architecture
Magento 2 architecture relies heavily on its modular design, which consists of several modules that perform specific functions. Each module has its own directory containing files that are necessary for the module to function correctly.
Some of the essential modules in Magento 2 architecture include:
Catalog: This module is responsible for managing products, categories, and attributes.
Customer: This module is responsible for managing customer accounts, addresses, and payment methods.
Sales: This module is responsible for managing orders and invoices.
Checkout: This module is responsible for managing the checkout process.
CMS (Content Management System): This module is responsible for managing static content like pages, blocks, widgets, and themes.
Directory Structure
Magento 2’s directory structure is organized around the modules, making it easy to locate specific files. The root directory contains several key folders, including:
App: This folder contains the application code.
Var: This folder contains the generated files, including logs, cache, and sessions.
Pub: This folder contains the publicly accessible files, including the storefront, static content, and media files.
Each module has its own directory named after the module, which contains subdirectories for each of the three layers of the MVC architecture: Model, View, and Controller.
Frontend and Backend Architecture
The frontend architecture of Magento 2 is built using the Knockout.js library, which is a JavaScript library that simplifies the creation of user interfaces. The storefront is created using a series of XML and HTML templates that combine to create a visually appealing and functional site that is easy to navigate.
The backend architecture of Magento 2 is built using the Zend Framework, which is a series of PHP libraries that simplify the creation of web applications. The backend is made up of several modules that handle different parts of the eCommerce store, such as managing products, orders, and customers.
Conclusion
Magento 2 architecture is a robust and modular design that allows administrators to create customized eCommerce stores that meet the specific needs of their customers. By understanding the key elements of the architecture, administrators can make the most of the platform and create a compelling online store that drives sales and revenue growth.