LocalStack Extensions (`localstack-ext`) is a Python library that enables developers to extend and customize LocalStack, a fully functional local cloud stack. Extensions run as Python applications within the LocalStack container, allowing for new service emulators, modifications to existing services, and custom functionality. The library is currently at version 2026.3.0 and follows a monthly calendar versioning cadence (YYYY.MM.patch).
pip install localstack-extVerified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.
This quickstart demonstrates how to create a basic LocalStack extension that announces its readiness when the LocalStack platform is fully started. Extensions are Python classes inheriting from `localstack.extensions.api.Extension` and registered via a Python entry point. After packaging and installing the extension using the `localstack extensions install` CLI command, it will be loaded by the LocalStack runtime.
Update version constraints in `requirements.txt` or `pyproject.toml` to reflect the new YYYY.MM.patch format (e.g., `localstack-ext>=2026.03.0,<2026.04.0`).
Sign up for a free LocalStack account, generate an auth token from the LocalStack Web App, and set it as the `LOCALSTACK_AUTH_TOKEN` environment variable before starting LocalStack. The `localstack auth login` CLI command is deprecated in favor of this approach.
Monitor the official LocalStack documentation and GitHub repository for `localstack-extensions` for announcements on API stability and migration guides.
It is highly recommended to install `localstack-ext` within an isolated Python environment using tools like `venv` or `pipx` to avoid conflicts with other installed packages.
Rely only on the officially documented `localstack.extensions.api` for extension development to ensure forward compatibility and receive support.
Ensure `LOCALSTACK_VOLUME_DIR` is correctly configured in your LocalStack environment (e.g., Docker Compose) and, if different from default, specify it when using `localstack extensions install`.