Compatibility Policy
Shop3 is OC3-first and OC4-compatible in mindset.
OpenCart 3
OpenCart 3 is the primary implementation target. Use canonical OC3 routes, controllers, models, language files, Twig templates, settings models, and layout/module conventions.
Future OpenCart 4
OpenCart 4 support is future work. Do not build OC4 systems inside the OC3 theme before the roadmap reaches that phase. Preserve boundaries that make a later compatibility layer possible.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Implementation should avoid assumptions that break common OpenCart stores:
- multistore;
- multilingual stores;
- multicurrency stores;
- SEO modules;
- filter modules;
- checkout modules;
- common layout/module placement patterns.
No Core Edits
Core edits are not compatible with the project. Use extension-safe integration points, documented events, or a reviewed architecture change.
Compatibility Review
When a PR touches shared architecture, settings, templates, or asset loading, PR Notes should state whether OC3 conventions and future OC4 boundaries are affected.