If you work in molecular modeling, chances are you’ve built up a toolbox over the years: custom scripts, favorite web services, standalone applications. You’ve probably had the thought: “How can I connect all of this with my modeling workflows more seamlessly?” If you’re using SAMSON, there’s a straightforward answer: Apps.
Apps in SAMSON are not just optional bells and whistles. They’re a key part of what makes the platform flexible and integrative. Whether you’re running the latest docking routine, prototyping an analysis tool, or wrapping your own legacy code, apps let you connect it all into your modeling environment.
What Can SAMSON Apps Do?
Apps can:
- Connect SAMSON with external executables or web services — imagine running AutoDock Vina or other simulations seamlessly from within the SAMSON UI.
- Integrate your own research code easily using the SAMSON API.
- Provide new user interfaces, improve visualization, or add entirely new features to your molecular modeling projects.
The beauty of this system lies in its openness. You can start from the default set that comes with SAMSON, and extend it based on your lab’s needs or your own research interests.
Where to Find and Add Apps
Within SAMSON, head to Home > Apps. There, you’ll find the built-in apps. But the real power comes when you connect to SAMSON Connect, SAMSON’s centralized platform for sharing and adding new extensions.
On SAMSON Connect, you’ll find a growing library of community-contributed or professionally developed apps. Just find what you need, click “Add”, and it becomes seamlessly available in your interface.
This image shows an example of the AutoDock Vina Extended App — a powerful docking tool now available directly inside SAMSON thanks to apps.
How to Start Developing Your Own App
If you’ve written code you’d like to use inside SAMSON, wrapping it as an app could be your next logical step. You’ll want to look into the Extension Generator and development documentation at the Documentation center.
There you’ll find guides and tools for building extensions that make apps work. Whether you’re focused on scripting interfaces, visualization tools, or algorithm development, building an app allows you to couple your ideas directly with what SAMSON does.
Making the Platform Your Own
For researchers, the ability to finely tune your modeling environment isn’t just a luxury — it can make a real difference in productivity. With apps, SAMSON essentially becomes your custom lab interface, adapted to your current project or workflow.
Whether you’re looking to simplify access to tools you use every day or test the integration of a new method, explore what SAMSON apps can do. You might be surprised by how quickly your workflow improves.
🌐 Learn more about apps in SAMSON by visiting the original documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/apps/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.