For molecular modelers, customizing software to meet specific project needs can be a real bottleneck. The constant hunt for missing features, additional calculation tools, or specialized visualizations adds unnecessary friction to your workflow. SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, addresses this pain point through SAMSON Extensions.
SAMSON Extensions are modular additions to the platform that enrich its functionality for various applications, including simulations, visualization, data parsing, and beyond. These extensions ensure you have access to everything you need for your work on molecular design, all in one place.
What Are SAMSON Extensions?
SAMSON Extensions are modules you can add to your setup through the SAMSON Connect marketplace. They come in different “flavors” such as:
- Apps – These provide additional tools, from connectors to external services to entirely new functionalities.
- Editors – Perfect for interactive document manipulation, like applying rigid-body transformations or generating nanotube models.
- Importers and Exporters – Focused on parsing or exporting file formats like PDB or XYZ.
- Visual Models – For visual representations (e.g., protein secondary structures) within the SAMSON viewport.
- Interaction Models – Utilize these for force calculations and simulation tasks (e.g., spring models or molecular dynamics).
- State Updaters – Algorithms that drive state changes in simulations, such as Monte Carlo or minimization algorithms.
Whether you’re exploring new algorithms, presenting molecular systems visually, or optimizing computational workflows, these extensions significantly enhance your productivity.
How to Add or Remove Extensions
To customize your SAMSON installation, simply:
- Sign in to your account on SAMSON Connect.
- Navigate to the Marketplace section.
- Select the extensions that fit your specific needs. You can remove or add new extensions anytime as your project evolves.
Create Your Own SAMSON Extensions
If the available extensions don’t fully address your requirements, you can develop your own through the SAMSON SDK. This Software Development Kit gives you the ability to create apps, editors, and various simulation tools. The SDK supports you with ready-to-use code templates and advanced features that streamline the development process.
Once your extension is ready, SAMSON’s multiplatform compatibility allows you to deploy it seamlessly for others to use. You can make it freely available or even monetize it by offering subscription-based access through platforms like Stripe. Ultimately, this flexibility ensures that SAMSON Extensions can accommodate unique requirements, no matter how specific.
Start Expanding Your Tools
From ready-to-install functionality to custom-made modules, SAMSON Extensions let you tailor the platform to match your molecular modeling objectives. Learn more and see the full range of possibilities in the official SAMSON Extensions documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get access today by visiting SAMSON Connect.