Molecular modeling often demands very different tools depending on the type of task—a structural biologist, a materials scientist, and a quantum chemist may all use different workflows. This diversity in needs can lead to cluttered or inefficient software environments that either lack crucial tools or overwhelm with unused features.
Fortunately, SAMSON, an integrative platform for molecular design, offers a modular way to build a personalized modeling environment by using SAMSON Extensions. These pre-packaged modules streamline your modeling setup by giving you just the tools you need. Whether you seek advanced simulation capabilities, a specialized import/export format, or a custom visualization mode, extensions let you control how your SAMSON installation works.
What Are SAMSON Extensions?
SAMSON Extensions are plug-in modules you can add or remove based on your workflow. They can include:
- Apps for calculations and external service connections,
- Editors for direct molecule manipulation,
- Importers/Exporters for file handling (e.g., PDB, XYZ),
- Models for molecular interaction and visualization,
- State updaters for simulations like molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo,
- And other assets like tutorials, commands, visual presets, and workspaces.
The first time you start SAMSON, it automatically downloads a set of default extensions to get you started. But it’s easy to go beyond that.
Adding or Removing Extensions
To adapt your SAMSON environment, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your account on SAMSON Connect.
- Visit the SAMSON Connect – Marketplace.
- Browse or search for extensions based on what you need for your research or teaching.
- Add (or remove) the extensions with one click.
This means you can easily restructure your SAMSON environment as your work evolves. For instance, if you start exploring electron density maps, just add the required visual models or importers. If later you move into quantum chemistry, swap in extensions for that field.
Why It Matters
Modular environments prevent users from being overwhelmed and let them activate functionality only when they need it. Managing extensions also helps reduce loading times and maximizes clarity and performance.
For educators, the flexibility means SAMSON can be tailored for very specific lessons—only enabling features the class will use. For developers or computational researchers with niche workflows, SAMSON becomes a focused toolbox rather than a bloated program.
This simple yet flexible mechanism makes SAMSON one of the few platforms built around both scientific depth and usability. If you’re frequently switching contexts in your modeling life, it’s worth investing a few minutes to explore what’s available in the extension marketplace—and maybe declutter your current setup at the same time.
📖 Learn more in the official documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.