One of the biggest challenges faced by molecular modelers today is finding the right combination of tools without switching constantly between different software environments. If you’ve ever wished for a seamless way to expand your modeling capabilities directly within your main platform, you’ll want to explore the SAMSON Extension Marketplace.
SAMSON Extensions are modules you can add to SAMSON to tailor the platform to your specific needs—whether your focus is on simulations, visualization, editing, or data import/export. These Extensions function like plug-ins and can be installed directly via the SAMSON Connect – Marketplace.
What Can You Add?
There’s a wide array of Extensions available, organized into functional categories:
- Apps: Provide specialized modeling tools or connect SAMSON to external services.
- Editors: Tools for interacting with and modifying molecular models (e.g., deformers, builders).
- Importers: Parse data from formats like PDB or electron density maps.
- Exporters: Export your work to other formats like XYZ or PDB.
- Models: Include visual models to represent structures or fields, and interaction models that calculate forces and energies.
- State Updaters: Advance your simulation using methods like Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics.
- More: You can also find interactive tutorials, workspace presets, and even cloud computation services.
How to Add or Remove Extensions
To manage Extensions:
- Sign in to your SAMSON Connect account.
- Visit the SAMSON Connect – Marketplace.
- Browse or search for the Extensions you need.
- Click to install or uninstall directly.
This design lets you build a modeling environment entirely customized to your domain—whether you’re studying proteins, designing materials, or exploring nanosystems.
Use Case Example: Need a Force Field?
Say you’re performing interactive simulations and need a custom force field. Instead of implementing everything from scratch or using external tools, you can search SAMSON Connect for a ready-to-use interaction model Extension that adds exactly this functionality. It’s especially practical in academic settings where time efficiency and flexibility are important.
What’s the Benefit?
Beyond convenience, using the SAMSON Marketplace promotes reproducibility and modular development. You’re working in a consistent environment, selecting trusted components, and can even share your own Extensions if you’re developing tools others might use.
For more information and to browse Extensions, check out the official documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON here.