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What are Chromia extensions?

Chromia extensions serve as pre-built docker images that add specialized features or services to containers within the Chromia ecosystem. They help developers seamlessly integrate additional functionality without needing to write new code or modify existing applications. Acting as modular solutions, these extensions enable blockchain applications to scale and adapt to the specific needs of each project.

The primary goal of Chromia Extensions is to offer a simple and efficient way to implement complex functionalities. Developers can integrate off-chain data (via oracles), perform advanced computations (like AI inference), or optimize data management. These tools empower developers to create innovative solutions for various sectors, including financial services, gaming platforms, and supply chain management. By leveraging Chromia extensions, developers enhance and adapt decentralized applications, reducing the time and effort needed to implement sophisticated technologies.

Advantages and limitations​

Chromia extensions offer developers significant benefits but also present certain limitations that they should consider before use.

Advantages:

  • Modularity and flexibility: Developers can quickly add specialized features, such as off-chain data integration, using extensions without building new functionalities from scratch.
  • Pre-built solutions: Developers have access to ready-to-use tools, which significantly reduce their development time and effort.
  • Seamless compatibility: Extensions integrate smoothly with containers, ensuring reliable operation and easy deployment, as they are designed with Chromia's architecture in mind.
  • Free accessibility: At launch, developers can access Chromia extensions free of charge, allowing them to experiment and explore new features without incurring financial costs.

Limitations:

  • One extension per container: Each container supports only one active extension.
  • Immutability: Once developers add an extension, they cannot remove or modify it. This permanence requires careful planning during setup to ensure compatibility and maintain container stability within the Chromia ecosystem.
  • Cluster-specific availability: The availability of extensions depends on the cluster where the container is deployed. Some extensions can be accessed across the entire network, while others require approval at the cluster level through a vote by the cluster's governors.

How to obtain a Chromia extension​

If the container doesn't exist yet​

  1. Go to the Staking page.
  2. Connect your preferred wallet to the platform.
  3. Bridge any amount of CHR to Chromia or stake 10 CHR to create an account if you need to.
  4. Open the Containers tab at the top of the page, select My Containers, and click Lease a new container.
  5. Choose the cluster where you want to lease the container. The availability of extensions may vary by cluster.
  6. Specify the required resources for your container and select your desired extension from the dropdown menu.
  7. Click Lease and confirm the transaction in your wallet.
  8. Go to the List of containers section to confirm that your container is activated with the applied extension.

If the container already exists:​

  1. Go to the Staking page.
  2. Connect your preferred wallet to the platform.
  3. Navigate to the List of containers section, select the container you want to modify, and open its settings.
  4. Choose the desired extension from the available options and click Save changes.