Dashboard provides instant access to widgets (mini-applications) that "float" over the desktop. These widgets provide simple functionality such as a calculator or clock; interaction with data from iTunes, the Address Book or other local apps; and interaction across the Web to get weather reports, stock quotes, etc. This course provides an introduction to Dashboard and you will learn how to create your own widgets. VTC author Jesse Feiler guides you through the steps to build a time clock widget to track your time and export it to a TextEdit document. To begin learning simply click the links.
Dashboard Widgets as Mini-Apps
Dashboard Widgets as Data Interfaces
Widget Interface Design Guidelines
Information/Internet Widgets Pt.1
Information/Internet Widgets Pt.2
Using the Clipboard with Widgets
Rename Files & Build the Property List
Dashboard Development Mode Pt.1
Dashboard Development Mode Pt.2
Setting & Storing a Preference Pt.1
Setting & Storing a Preference Pt.2
Implementing a Two-State Button Pt.1
Implementing a Two-State Button Pt.2
Finishing Up: The Reset Button
Building the Timer Click Structure
Handling Show & Hide Events Pt.1
Handling Show & Hide Events Pt.2
Using the Clipboard & Drag & Drop
Preparing the Test Widget Pt.1
Preparing the Test Widget Pt.2
Making the Command Line Interactive
Status Results & Synchronous Processing
Using AppleScript from the Command Line
Generating AppleScript from a Widget Pt.1
Generating AppleScript from a Widget Pt.2
Generating AppleScript from a Widget Pt.3
Looking at an AppleScript Dictionary Pt.1
Looking at an AppleScript Dictionary Pt.2
Writing the Basic Script for the Widget
Implementing the Script in the Widget Pt.1
Implementing the Script in the Widget Pt.2
Labelling & Formatting the Export
Getting the XML Data for a Widget
Sample RSS Widget Architecture
Setting the Widget to Use a Plug-in
Setting the Xcode Project Name
Exposing the Plug-in to JavaScript
How to Include the Apple Classes
Apple Buttons (Including Glass Buttons)
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