DotNetNuke supports customization in the form of extensions. There are various types of extension points and extension types available to developers.

Authentication System

An authentication system is an extension type that allows users to create a different system for user authentication, the "login" process. Examples of custom Authentication Systems are the Openid and LiveId providers that are available as optional Authentication Systems.

Container

A Container is a design element that contains individual modules as they are added to the individual page.

Extension Verification Service

The Extension Verification Service (EVS) allows users to test the compatibility of their extensions with available versions of DNN. The service assists developers by providing guidance, allowing errors to be identified and corrections to be made.

Visit the EVS website to perform extension verification.

Library

A Library is an extension type that allows for the installation of a Library package. A package that is a "shared component" that may be used by multiple modules, skin objects, etc.

Modules

A Module is the basic extension point of DotNetNuke, every time you add content to a DotNetNuke page you are adding a module that then controls the content. For example for basic text display you add the Text module page, then edit the text that is displayed. Find information on how to develop your own module on the Module Development Wiki page

Providers

There are a number of providers available for extensions within the DotNetNuke application. A provider is typically an underlying piece of functionality that provides information/services to the rest of the DotNetNuke installation, the following are a few examples of providers that can be extended.

• MembershipProvider
• TextEditorProvider
• OutputCacheProvider
• FriendlyUrlProvider
• DataProvider
• Authentication Provider
  

For more information see the Provider page for detailed provider information.

Skin

A Skin is the visual layout of your DotNetNuke site, with a custom skin you can customize the look and feel of your site, and make it your own unique creation.

Skin Objects

A Skin Object is an item that is embedded in a skin and is displayed on all pages within an installation. Examples of skin objects include the Breadcrumb, Copyright, and Menu objects that are common on all DNN skins.