Widgets : Just What is a Web Widget?

A widget is a small application that can be posted to a website or blog to serve a specific function. There are many different types of widgets that serve all sorts of different purposes. Even if you haven't heard of the word 'widget' you may have heard of web gadgets, badges, web modules, snippets, webjits or capsules. All of these are widgets.

Some different widget varieties include the stock ticker widget that is constantly updated with news from the stock market; the media player widget through which web developers post video or music on their sites; the RSS feed widget which is updated with different blog, website and news feeds and more. Social applications, such as those found on Facebook, are also a variety of widget.

Widgets can be easily embedded in a website or blog, or you can create your own display of widgets on a customizable homepage such as Netvibes or iGoogle. Follow your favorite websites' RSS feeds, create 'Things to Do' widgets and lists to help organize your life, play games, read the news and more.

A widget can also be a great way to promote your business. Create a fun and original widget for your business to enter a whole new realm of advertising. Bloggers and website developers will post your widget on their sites, advertising you for free!