An extensible resource resolution framework. Executing code that references a resource invokes an interface of an extensible resource resolution framework. Parameters may be provided on the invocation to specify information pertaining to the current execution context. One or more resource resolvers are selected, transparently to the invoking code, as appropriate to a given situation (comprising, for example, the execution context). Preferably, the resource resolvers are contributed as plug-ins to the resolution framework. Criteria may be specified for each resolver, indicating when that resolver should be selected. Priority order may be specified, per resolver, to control order of invocation when more than one resolver is selected.