A digital imaging-based code symbol reading system having a set of standard features and functions, and a set of custom features and functionalities that satisfy customized end-user application requirements. The system includes a housing having a light transmission window, a digital camera subsystem, a digital image processing subsystem, an input/output subsystem, a system control system, and a computing platform. The computing platform includes (i) memory for storing pieces of original product code written by the original designers of said digital image capture and processing system, and (ii) a microprocessor for running one or more applications by calling and executing pieces of said original product code in a particular sequence, so as support a set of standard features and functions which characterize a standard behavior of said digital image capture and processing system. One or more pieces of original product code have a set of place holders into which third-party product code can be inserted or plugged by third parties, including value-added resellers (VARs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and also end-users of said digital image capture and processing system.