How to Create a Module in Magento 2

Magento 2 follows a modular architecture where all custom functionality is built using modules. A module is the core unit of customization that allows you to extend or modify Magento behavior without touching core files.

What Is a Module in Magento 2?

A Magento 2 module is a collection of PHP classes, XML configuration files, layouts, and templates grouped under a unique namespace. Modules can be enabled, disabled, or removed independently.

Add new features or pages
Modify frontend or admin behavior
Integrate third-party services
Extend core functionality safely

Module Location

Custom modules should be placed inside the app/code directory using the format:

VendorName/ModuleName

Example:

app/code/Hikmadh/Mymodule

Basic Module Structure

app/code/Hikmadh/Mymodule
│── Controller
│── Block
│── Model
│── Helper
│── Observer
│── etc
│   └── frontend
│── view
│   └── frontend
│       ├── layout
│       └── templates
│── registration.php
│── composer.json (optional)

Step 1: Create module.xml

The module.xml file declares the module name and version.

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<config xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
        xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:Module/etc/module.xsd">
    <module name="Hikmadh_Mymodule" setup_version="1.0.0"/>
</config>

Step 2: Register the Module

Magento must know where your module is located. This is done using registration.php.

<?php
use Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar;

ComponentRegistrar::register(
    ComponentRegistrar::MODULE,
    'Hikmadh_Mymodule',
    __DIR__
);

Step 3: Enable the Module

php bin/magento setup:upgrade
php bin/magento module:enable Hikmadh_Mymodule
php bin/magento cache:flush

Step 4: Create Frontend Route

Define a frontend route using routes.xml.

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<config xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
        xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:App/etc/routes.xsd">
    <router id="standard">
        <route id="myroute" frontName="myroute">
            <module name="Hikmadh_Mymodule"/>
        </route>
    </router>
</config>

Step 5: Create Controller

Create a controller action to verify the module is working.

<?php
namespace Hikmadh\Mymodule\Controller\Index;

use Magento\Framework\App\Action\Action;
use Magento\Framework\App\Action\Context;

class Index extends Action
{
    public function __construct(Context $context)
    {
        parent::__construct($context);
    }

    public function execute()
    {
        echo 'My module works';
        exit;
    }
}

Access the Module

http://your-domain.com/myroute/index/index

If everything is configured correctly, the output “My module works” will appear in the browser.

Conclusion

Creating a module in Magento 2 is the foundation of customization. By following Magento’s modular structure, you ensure clean code, upgrade safety, and long-term scalability.

How to Create a Module Development in Magento2