---
title: Intro to the Shopware ecosystem | Shopware Community Hub
description: >-
  This is a fundamental course about the ecommerce ecosystem, Shopware as a
  product, plans, distribution models, and extensions.
canonical_url: 'https://hub.shopware.com/learn/course/intro-ecosystem'
---

# Intro to the Shopware ecosystem

# You start here

You have chosen Shopware. Congratulations! We're thrilled to have you join our growing community of innovative developers and partners.

Whether you're completely new to ecommerce or already an expert, this onboarding path will guide you step-by-step into the world of Shopware. We aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to create amazing ecommerce experiences.

You'll discover how our platform can adapt to your projects, offering endless possibilities and opportunities to make your mark in the ecommerce landscape.

## What to expect?

In this first course, we'll cover everything from the basics of ecommerce to the unique benefits and powerful features of Shopware. Along the way, you'll dive into:

- **What is ecommerce?** Understand the core of online business and its key drivers.
- **All About Shopware:** Know our product and functionalities.
- **The Power of Open Source:** Learn how Shopware's open source foundation can work for you.
- **Shopware Plans:** Discover the different plans and what each offers.
- **Shopware Extensions:** Find out how to expand and customize Shopware for any project.
- **Deployment Models:** Explore the different ways you can use Shopware to fit your needs.

## Your next steps

As you embark on this journey, we're here to support you every step of the way. The first units are **short and practical**; deeper plan and licensing detail follows in later units.

**Suggested flow:** Ecommerce basics → Why Shopware → Open source → Plans → Features (in CO-02) → Setup (hands-on).

## Learning Units

## Units
- [What is Ecommerce?](/learn/unit/what-is-ecommerce): Ecommerce basics, key business models, and how platforms like Shopware fit into online retail.
- [Why choose Shopware?](/learn/unit/choosing-shopware): Key reasons developers and businesses choose Shopware, plus a concise overview of its technology stack.
- [Shopware: An open-source Platform](/learn/unit/shopware-opensource-proprietary): How Shopware’s open-source model compares to proprietary software and what that means for customization and community.
- [Shopware Plans](/learn/unit/shopware-plans): In this unit, you’ll explore the various Shopware plans tailored to meet different business needs, from startups to large enterprises.
- [Shopware helpdesk and support resources](/learn/unit/shopware-support-resources): This unit gives you quick access points on Shopware resources.
- [Shopware Operation Modes](/learn/unit/shopware-operation-modes): In this unit, you will explore Shopware’s operation modes, learn the key features of each model and how to choose the right one based on your business needs.
- [Shopware Extensions](/learn/unit/shopware-extensions): In this unit, you’ll understand what Shopware extensions are, their types, uses, benefits, and practical scenarios for effective application, empowering you…
- [Why you should app](/learn/unit/apps-benefits): This unit explores extending your Shopware shop with the app system. You’ll learn the advantages of apps over plugins, including better integration,…