A molecular modeling task rarely arrives as a neat software category. You may need to connect a workflow to an external program, use a web service, or bring existing code into your work. The practical question is not only “Which tool should I use?” but also “Where does this kind of tool belong in SAMSON?” Knowing what apps are—and how to find them—can make that first step easier.
What an app means in SAMSON
In SAMSON, apps are one family of SAMSON Extensions. An app can add a workflow by connecting to an external executable or web service, wrapping existing code, or providing functionality based on the SAMSON Application Programming Interface (API). That range is useful to keep in mind: “app” describes a way to extend SAMSON, rather than one specific kind of scientific task.
This distinction helps when you are trying to solve a workflow problem. If the task involves using an external tool or making a new workflow available inside SAMSON, an app may be relevant. If you are unsure whether the need is better addressed by another extension family, the documentation also points to editors, importers, and exporters as related categories to compare.
Where to look before changing your workflow
Apps are available from Home > Apps. SAMSON includes a set of apps by default, and additional apps can be added from SAMSON Connect. This gives you a straightforward place to begin: check the apps available in SAMSON, then consult SAMSON Connect when you are looking for more.
Before choosing an app, write down what you need it to do. For example: Does the workflow depend on an external executable? Does it use a web service? Are you trying to make existing code available in SAMSON? These questions reflect the kinds of workflows apps can support, without assuming that every app provides every capability. Then compare the specific app’s description with your actual task.
App or another extension family?
The word “extension” covers more than apps. SAMSON’s documentation lists editors, importers, and exporters as other families. If you are deciding where to start, use those references to compare the categories rather than assuming that any new capability must be an app.
A simple way to reduce guesswork is to separate the problem into two parts: first, describe the workflow you want to add; second, identify which extension family and available extension best match it. This is especially helpful when exploring a large set of tools, because it keeps the search tied to your modeling need instead of to unfamiliar terminology.
If you want to build an app
Apps are not only something to find and use. If you want to develop your own, the documentation directs you to the guide for generating SAMSON Extensions and to the Documentation center. If your immediate goal is simply to install or manage extensions, start instead with Extending SAMSON and the SAMSON Connect reference.
In short: identify the workflow you need, check Home > Apps, and use SAMSON Connect to explore additional options. If the task seems to fit another extension family, compare its reference before settling on a tool. Learn more in the SAMSON apps documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.