Chapter 2. Creating Your First Google Gadgets
In This Chapter
Understanding what goes into making a gadget
Building a simple gadget with Google's tools
Taking your gadgets to a higher level
One of the biggest advantages of using Google's services is all the information you can share. The Google Gadgets you use on your iGoogle or Google Apps desktop are made possible by Google, but they've more than likely been built by developers outside the company, either for profit or just for the fun of it. You also have the opportunity to build your own gadgets, even if you've never coded a program before in your life. From the most basic gadgets to an advanced piece of Web-based wonder, Google provides the tools to make it possible.
Why You Should Make Your Own Gadgets
If you've taken a look at the Google Gadgets available online, it may seem a little daunting to try to produce something else to throw into the pool. There are all kinds of gadgets covering all kinds of needs, from news readers to movie times to e-mail and calendar gadgets to photo frames. So why should you attempt to make your own gadgets? Here are some possible reasons:
To publicize your business: These gadgets can potentially end up on the desktops and sidebars of many, many users. If you run a business, those are a lot of potential customers. If you make your gadget useful and get it in front of the eyes of those potential customers, you stand to earn yourself quite a bit more business.
To reward your loyal customers: You don't ...
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