Systems and methods which facilitate extension of software applications, without changing the software application binary code, through use of a data channel architecture are shown. According to embodiments, a robust bi-directional data channel is implemented within the software application allowing interaction with external code to provide extension of the software application to include one or more new and/or modified feature. Embodiments adapt a software application for loading of a trigger and an extension library for interfacing a feature module with the software application. The trigger may comprise a small piece of code, such as in a scripting language, adapted to be embedded in the software application at runtime which directs processing to a corresponding extension library. The extension library may comprise a command set, such as a scripting language dynamic link library or bundle, used for implementing a robust bidirectional protocol between the software application and external code.