Wix Velo
What is Wix Velo?
Velo by Wix is an open development platform that significantly extends the functionality of websites built on Wix. Essentially, it's an environment that combines the Wix visual builder with the capabilities of writing JavaScript code and using APIs. Velo provides an integrated development environment (IDE) directly within the Wix editor, access to APIs for managing site elements, data in collections (Wix databases), and backend modules for executing server-side code. It is a powerful tool for developers, web studios, and CTOs, allowing them to create custom web applications, complex interactive forms, integrate with third-party APIs, and implement unique business logic that goes beyond the standard capabilities of Wix.
How to use Wix Velo in your work?
To start using Velo, you simply need to enable 'Dev Mode' in the Wix editor. Immediately after, you will have access to the code panel at the bottom of the screen and the properties panel for each element, where you can add event handlers (e.g., onClick, onMouseIn). Developers can write frontend JavaScript code to create interactivity—for example, dynamically changing content on a page based on user actions. To work with data, the built-in database system (CMS) is used, where you can create and manage collections. Backend logic is implemented using server-side modules (backend web modules), which allow for secure work with API keys, performing complex calculations, or interacting with external services. Web studios use Velo to create complex client projects, such as customer portals, booking systems with unique logic, or service cost calculators.
What advantages does Wix Velo provide and what problems does it solve?
The main advantage of Velo is the removal of limitations. It solves the main problem of visual builders: a lack of flexibility for implementing non-standard tasks. With Velo, you get the best of both worlds: the speed and convenience of the no-code Wix platform and the power of custom development. Velo allows you to solve tasks such as: creating dynamic pages whose content is loaded from a database (e.g., real estate listings or job boards); integrating with any third-party services via API (payment gateways, CRMs, marketing platforms); implementing complex business logic not available in standard Wix apps. Furthermore, Velo operates in a serverless environment, which means Wix completely takes care of the infrastructure, scaling, and security, allowing developers to focus solely on the code.
How to Integrate Wix Velo with other services?
Velo is the 'glue' that can connect your Wix site to anything. Using its `fetch` API, you can integrate with Apify to retrieve data and display it on your site in real-time. You can create a custom form that, upon submission, sends data not only to Wix CRM but also to any other external system. Velo allows for deep customization of Wix Stores, adding unique logic to the checkout process, or creating complex reports based on data from Wix Bookings. It can also work with Wix Functions for performing short computational tasks on the server. Essentially, Velo is the gateway for integrating your site with the rest of your business's digital ecosystem.
