Glossary: Extension
Extension
An Extension in TYPO3 is a modular component that extends the functionality of the CMS. TYPO3 is designed to remain lightweight at its core and gain additional features via extensions.
Types of Extensions
Extensions can serve various purposes:
- Backend extensions that add administrative tools or configuration modules
- Frontend extensions that render visible content (e.g. forms, calendars)
- Interface extensions that integrate external systems or data sources
Technical Structure
A typical extension resides in typo3conf/ext/
(or in Packages/
for Composer-based installations) and contains:
- PHP classes for business logic
- TCA definitions for data structure configuration
- Fluid templates for output rendering
- Configuration files (e.g. TypoScript, YAML, service definitions)
Advantages
- Modular architecture – include only the features you need
- Clear separation of concerns
- Extensible and update-safe structure
Typical Use Case
Extensions are used whenever you need to expand TYPO3’s capabilities or add new features—whether via the Extension Manager or Composer. Examples include custom data modules, specialized backend tools, or frontend widgets.