What is the recommended way to test changes made to a Shopify theme?

Using the theme preview feature in the admin is the recommended way to test changes made to a Shopify theme because it provides a safe environment where you can view and interact with your modifications without affecting the live store. This preview allows developers and store owners to assess layout, design, and functionality before publishing any changes to customers.

The theme preview feature ensures that you can thoroughly check for any unexpected behavior or display issues without the risk of disrupting the shopping experience for existing customers. It allows multiple iterations without the pressure of immediate publication, giving developers a chance to refine their work based on how it looks and functions in a controlled setting.

Other methods, such as viewing changes directly in the code, do not provide a comprehensive understanding of how those changes will appear to users. Immediate publication of changes or making changes directly on the live site can lead to a poor customer experience, introducing potential bugs, layout issues, or inconsistencies that could impact sales and user satisfaction. Thus, utilizing the theme preview is the most effective and prudent approach to testing changes.