---
title: Automating Apps with Server-Side Logic | Shopware Community Hub
description: >-
  This course explains the role and purpose of the App Server within the App
  System. You will learn in which contexts an App Server can enhance the
  customer and…
canonical_url: 'https://hub.shopware.com/learn/course/automating-apps-with-server-side-logic'
---

# Automating Apps with Server-Side Logic

<LearningObjectives>

- **Learn** how to use the **Shopware PHP SDK** to handle real scenarios in the App development.
- **Understand** the role of the App Server and build a clear mental model of how it works.
- **Gain confidence in writing App Server code** that interacts with the App System (e.g., webhooks).

</LearningObjectives>

# Automating Apps with Server-Side Logic

The next step is to understand **App Servers**. The App Server is the part of the App that runs on its own infrastructure and communicates with Shopware. With App Servers, you can handle webhooks, execute your own logic and provide extra functionality for merchants and customers.

<Callout title="Experience Recommendation" type="warning">

To follow along, you need a Shopware App installed and ready to use. In the previous courses, we worked with the `ShopwareStoreTracker` App, which is the starting point for this course.

In the previous Learning Courses we developed some of an App called the `ShopwareStoreTracker`, which is perfect for getting underway with this course

</Callout>

## How This Course Works: Code-Along

In the [Shopware App Fundamentals](/learn/course/shopware-app-fundamentals) course, you already installed a pre-built App Server [ShopwareStoreTrackerBackend](https://github.com/ShopwareAcademy/ShopwareStoreTrackerBackend) on your local machine. In this course, we will build on that and **customize the codebase** into a service tailored to our needs.

In the upcoming learning units, look for sections **Code along**. They contain the exact command you need to run to keep your local project synchronized with the course material.

<Callout title="Repository Install Location" type="info">

This App Server repository only contains code relevant to developing an App Server. It should be installed in a **separate location** from your Shopware project:

- Shopware installation path: `/home/someuser/Projects/shopware`
- App Server `ShopwareStoreTrackerBackend` installation path: `/home/someuser/Projects/app-backend/`

</Callout>

## What to expect

The code you will write in this course is not very complex, but the **concepts behind App Servers** can feel more abstract and harder to grasp. Be prepared for a challenge but also know that once you understand them, you will have gained one of the most valuable insights into the Shopware App System!

## Learning Units

## Units
- [Setting Up an App Server](/learn/unit/app-server-setup): This learning unit introduces the different contexts and hosting options for App Servers. You will learn how to plan an App Server based on business needs and…
- [Inserting Entity Data via Hooks](/learn/unit/entity-data-via-hooks): Here we will leverage the power of ‘hooks’ in the App System.
- [Setting Up a Flow Action](/learn/unit/set-up-flow-action): Learn how to define a custom Flow Action that sends order data from Shopware to your App Server.
- [Constructing a Flow Action Endpoint](/learn/unit/constructing-flow-action-endpoint): Learn how to build an App Server endpoint that receives Flow Builder requests, processes order data, and saves it in a custom entity.