Did you know that over 300,000 developers are coding for Magento platforms?
This open-source PHP-based e-commerce platform is one of the most widely used content management systems for online stores. The biggest players in the e-commerce market, followed by more and more newcomers, rely on Magento developers to function.
Therefore, when choosing a Magneto 2 developer, make sure that you hire an expert who is resourceful, knowledgeable and willing to work with others to create an eCommerce store. With so many specialists to choose from, it is not that easy to find the right, competent and experienced professionals.
But do not worry, because in this article we will show you how to successfully integrate a Magento 2 developer into your online store project.
Why is Magento 2 so important?
This e-commerce platform, whose origins date back to 2008, has since taken the world by storm. It offers highly customizable and personalised features for online shop development. Many renowned brands like Adidas use it because it is easy to implement, open to extensions, and allows for additional features like credit limits, custom price lists, and advanced SEO options. Thanks to the numerous plug-ins developed by the Magento community, it can easily be integrated with external software and systems such as CRM and ERP, as well as with inventories.
The truth is that this platform is difficult to navigate, and the more experience the prospective programmer has with this environment, the more likely they will be able to meet the needs of your business. If you want to hire an experienced developer capable of using all the complex features of the newest Version of Magento 2.x.
If you need to create a new online store on Magento 2.x based on your current Magento 1.x, the ability to migrate from Magento 1 to 2 is of great importance (version 1 was released in 2015 and still coexists with version 2). At the same time, practical knowledge and technical background must be demonstrated and proven.
Why? The old, unpatched and un-updated instances are more prone to bugs and cyberattacks. Therefore, an expert with experience in migrating all data such as customers, products, orders to the latest Magento version with the possibility of creating new functions and modules in it is a must. Let us take a look at what other aspects to consider when hiring.
Expertise of a Magento Developer: checklist
If you are looking for the best Magento 2 developer for your company, you should learn about the common requirements and standards to help the interviewer choose the best candidate.
Your e-commerce websites will be developed and improved by this person. The success of the entire shop depends on their knowledge and skills; therefore, they must be of the highest calibre. Avoid programmers who have only recently started working in the Magento environment - unless you have time to train them and expand their skills.
Certifications
We recommend hiring a developer who is certified in Magento 2 to build a Magento eCommerce shop. This environment is not easy and requires years of practice and familiarity with its complex framework, which gives its owner tremendous elasticity. It requires experience as well - different types of issues or ways to improve a feature that can only come with time.
Adobe certifications are a tremendous benefit for Magento developers because they are based on authentic project-related issues. Adobe credentials are only good for two years and tend to be costly. So, if your potential developer has it, it means they are serious about their responsibilities and up to date with possible challenges, options and strategies that may come across a project.
A developer who has passed the Magento 2 certification will be a safer choice as it gives you the certainty that their knowledge is verified, and they will not endanger the process of development of your company’s online store. They will be able to use the best tools and practises and should be prepared for possible difficulties and unexpected challenges that may arise.
Practical knowledge of the Framework
Practical experience and knowledge of the 1x or 2.x framework is given. But you need to keep in mind that a developer who programs in 1x does not necessarily know 2.x - he needs to learn it from scratch. Remember to adjust your choice of specialist to your needs and your version of the store. Most Magento developers work with version 2.x nowadays, but some of them still have version 1.x - you should check it.
Coding languages
Every Magento developer must be proficient in the PHP language. In addition, languages such as JavaScript, C++, Java and Ruby are an advantage. The reality is that Magneto developers are always in high demand. It is a good idea to hire a PHP expert with the option to let him develop towards Magneto version 1x or 2.x. You can also look for a developer who knows many of the old frameworks like Zend, Cake, Kohana, as professionals who know many different frameworks are more open-minded to new technologies like Magento in our case. It is also worth giving the developer time to get familiar with Magneto.
Other tech skills
Another requirement is knowledge of modern front-end technologies such as jQuery, Knockout.js, Require.js, and optionally React/Angular. An advanced Magento 2 developer must understand the elements of Magento theming, even if woken up in the middle of the night. They should be able to modify the user interface according to the best standards. In addition to front-end expertise, knowledge of GIT, Composer, and experience with design patterns and OOP are useful.
Understanding of e-commerce integration
E-commerce integration features target customers precisely and take care of the costs associated with customer service. Therefore, a profound understanding of the various types of these integrations like payment gateways, ERPS, cloud or POS systems can filter out the most exceptional individuals who will be able to design and develop your successful online store. Knowledge of numerous eCommerce integrations to set up information systems and fully automate the process is like looking for a needle in a haystack. A person with this experience is a truly worthy candidate.
Models of cooperation
Now is the time to think about working conditions and contracts. Before hiring a Magento developer, you need to consider what models of collaboration you want to work with. You can hire a full-time employee to join your internal team, or you can choose to contact an outsourcing company that will be able to deliver the online store in your place. There is also the option of hiring a dedicated external team specialized in Magento that will focus only on the success of your store.
Project-based Outsourcing: project-based outsourcing is for people who want to hire an entire team or supplement their existing staff for just one project, before ending the agreement. It does not involve long-term collaboration, is usually cost-effective and flexible. This strategy gives more freedom to the client as they get employees who only work for them once and can be redeployed as needed.
Dedicated Teams: Multidisciplinary remote teams, known as "dedicated teams," function similarly to your internal team, but do not physically work at your location. They work with you over an extended period of time, keeping you informed of all daily activities and reporting back to you. If it's a year-long operation, this is the best option because the developers you work with are familiar with your site's environment and will get things up and running quickly!
Grow Your In-house team. This strategy is ideal for businesses that want someone to focus solely on their development project and be close onsite for any emergencies or consultations. In this co-operation model the Magento Developer becomes fully integrated with your company, develops loyalty and it becomes personal for them to work on the best version of your online ecommerce platform possible.
Additional questions to ask
Apart from these questions, you should also check the practical knowledge of the candidate. It would be a good idea to give an assignment with a time limit so that the applicant can prove their expertise. You can also ask about the tools listed on CV so that they demonstrate their true knowledge. Reviewing the companies your potential Magento 2x has worked for can also give you insight into the extent of their skills and experience.
- Could you describe the different Magento 2.x or 1.x development projects you have previously been involved in?
- How Many years of experience in PHP do you have? Have you ever worked on some PHP frameworks?
- How Many Years of exp. Do you have in Magento 2.x? How many in 1.x?
- Please share with me some modules you have done.
Magento 2 developer in Your e-commerce project
Due to the complexity of the Magento platform, only a skilled developer can perform all of the demanding programming services. You now know why Magento 2 is important for the growth of your business and what can help you find an outstanding professional. If you take the preceding actions, you may be able to find the best talent for your business.
If you would rather not get involved in the hiring and recruiting process, you can always use outsourcing or an extended team approach. If you need help, feel free to reach out to us.
