"Widget" (Window + Gadget) is an overall term for several types of graphic components in user interfaces such as headings, fields, menus, etc. The widgets' purpose is to provide users with relevant data in a non-invasive matter via a minimal amount of resources. For example, desktop widgets enable users to display data from predefined sources by demand.
The term is mainly used to describe components embedded into the interface, originating from external interfaces that provide certain data or functionality borrowed from their original interface. For example, various apps' widgets on Smartphones' main screen.
Widgets are usually installed by copying and pasting a short piece of code from the widget suppliers' website to the users' website.
The following are typical examples of widgets:
Web widgets for news, weather forecasts, etc.
User-interactive widgets for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
Widgets that display data regarding the computer: processer temperature, rate of data traffic, etc.
Decorative widgets, such as slideshow boxes.
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