Many developers find it tricky to navigate the specifics of WooCommerce because it introduces additional layers of complexity. Here’s how I learned WooCommerce development, and some tips that might help you overcome the hurdles you’re facing:

1. Understand WooCommerce Architecture
   • Core Structure: Familiarize yourself with how WooCommerce extends WordPress. Learn about the core files and how WooCommerce uses custom post types for products.
   • Hooks and Filters: Like WordPress, WooCommerce relies heavily on hooks and filters. Learn how to use add_action and add_filter in the context of WooCommerce to modify behaviors without altering core files.
2. Hands-On Practice with Small Projects
   • Start by creating a simple WooCommerce site. Experiment by adding products, setting up categories, and configuring the main settings.
   • Try customizing existing WooCommerce themes or creating a child theme to make small layout changes. This will help you understand the template system.
3. Follow Tutorials and Courses
   • Look for reputable online courses focused on WooCommerce development. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning often have structured courses.
   • Follow step-by-step tutorials available on websites like Tuts+ and WPBeginner, which offer practical examples of customizing WooCommerce functionality.
4. Engage with the Community Engaging in communities like this one can provide you with solutions and insights from experienced developers.
   • Dig into common issues shared by others which can often provide solutions or alternative approaches.
5. Experiment with WooCommerce Extensions
   • Familiarize yourself with popular WooCommerce extensions and plugins since they often involve custom development work.
   • Study how these plugins alter WooCommerce behavior to gain insights into potential customization methods.
6. Debugging and Troubleshooting
   • Debug with the help of development tools and error logs. Tools like WP_DEBUG and Query Monitor can be invaluable in identifying issues.
   • Break down errors line by line to trace back through functions to understand where issues may be occurring.
7. Go Beyond the Documentation
   • While WooCommerce’s official documentation is a great starting point, sometimes real-world applications go beyond the scope of documentation.
   • Look for developer blogs and GitHub repositories where practical implementations are shared.
8. Leverage Your WordPress Skills
   • Use your strong foundation in WordPress to understand how WooCommerce is built on top of it. This will make navigating WooCommerce’s PHP templates, classes, and custom hooks much easier.

When I began with WooCommerce, I started deconstructing existing WooCommerce plugins and themes to see how they functioned. I learned how WooCommerce hooks into WordPress and how to utilize its API. Over time, I became more comfortable developing custom solutions.

Hopefully this short guide will help you on your journey!