Virtualizing extension code in an application

A method performed using at least one processor of a processor-based system, the method comprising:

• loading a portal of an application, the portal having an extensibility point via which an extension is to enhance functionality of the application,
• the extension including metadata and implementation code;
• automatically determining a functionality that the implementation code is configured to provide with regard to the application;
• automatically generating the metadata to indicate the functionality in response to the functionality being automatically determined;
• loading the metadata in response to the portal being loaded;
• delaying loading of the implementation code until an interaction indicator is received, in response to loading the metadata,
• the interaction indicator indicating that a user interaction occurs;
• and
• loading the implementation code based at least in part on receipt of the interaction indicator.

A system to reduce an amount of resources consumed to use extension code in an application, the system comprising:

• means for loading a portal of an application, the portal having an extensibility point via which an extension is to enhance functionality of the application,
• the extension including metadata and implementation code;
• means for automatically determining a functionality that the implementation code is configured to provide with regard to the application;
• means for automatically generating the metadata to indicate the functionality in response to the functionality being automatically determined;
• means for loading the metadata in response to the portal being loaded;
• means for delaying loading of the implementation code until an interaction indicator is received, in response to the metadata being loaded,
• the interaction indicator indicating that a user interaction occurs;
• and
• means for loading the implementation code based at least in part on receipt of the interaction indicator.