# Basics

Mechanic uses [**Liquid**](https://learn.mechanic.dev/platform/liquid), a template language created by Shopify. If you have worked with the code behind Shopify themes, you've worked with Liquid.

If you are new to Liquid or need a refresher, the next few sections will cover the basics of the language.

{% hint style="info" %}
Mechanic's use of Liquid comes with a few extra features. It has all the core features of Liquid itself, and adds a few that specifically facilitate Mechanic development.
{% endhint %}

## Shopify Liquid cheat sheet

Shopify offers an excellent [Liquid cheat sheet](https://www.shopify.com/partners/shopify-cheat-sheet), a quick reference for the fundamentals. Note, however, that Liquid objects documented here do not mirror the objects offered in Mechanic-flavored Liquid. When using this cheat sheet for Mechanic work, ignore the "Objects" section entirely. :)

Learn more about the difference between Shopify Theme Liquid objects and Mechanic objects here: [Mechanic objects](https://learn.mechanic.dev/platform/liquid/objects)

## Shopify's introduction to Liquid

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZLTExLukSg&feature=youtu.be>" %}

## Sources

Content in this section was compiled from the following Shopify resources:

* <https://shopify.github.io/liquid/>
* <https://shopify.dev/docs/themes/liquid/reference/basics>