Many researchers and developers in molecular modeling rely on custom scripts, external executables, or web services to perform specific tasks—such as docking, calculations, or data analysis. However, managing multiple tools can be time-consuming, especially when interoperability isn’t seamless.
This is where SAMSON’s app integration system can help.
In SAMSON, an App can wrap external code or services, providing a unified user interface and connecting smoothly with other SAMSON features and Extensions. You don’t need to rewrite your algorithms; you can integrate them and use them within SAMSON’s interactive environment.
What counts as an App?
In SAMSON, an App is a type of Extension that can provide any functionality—ranging from visualization and simulation to interoperability with external software or services. For example, some apps have been created to connect with docking engines like AutoDock or to communicate with web services for molecular data.
Do you already have code in C++, Python or another language? You can create a SAMSON App that interfaces with this code and immediately benefit from SAMSON’s UI, 3D visualization, selection tools, and its powerful API.
Benefits of wrapping your code into a SAMSON App
- Faster workflows: Once wrapped into a SAMSON App, your tool becomes part of the environment—you and your colleagues won’t need to switch from one interface to another.
- Consistent UI: SAMSON provides UI components you can reuse—no need to create complex GUIs from scratch.
- Combine with other tools: Your App can interoperate with other Extensions—e.g., using selections, atoms, molecules, or results from other apps.
- Easy distribution: Publish your App on SAMSON Connect for others to download, or share it privately with collaborators.
Where to find Apps and add more
Some Apps come with SAMSON by default, and you can find them in Home > Apps. You can add more Apps from SAMSON Connect—an online platform where developers share Extensions and users can download new functionality.
Want to develop your own App?
If you’re ready to create your own SAMSON App, you can use the Extension Generator described in the developer documentation. It helps set up a SAMSON Extension project with the necessary structure to get started quickly.
Visit the Extension Generator documentation page and the Documentation center to get started with app development.
To learn more about how Apps work and how they’re used in SAMSON, visit the full documentation at https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/apps/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON here.