Javascript Date Time and Calendar Widget

Javascript Date Time and Calendar Widget Options

A widget is a small application that works within a web page. If you would like to add a date, time or calendar widget to a site, there are several options to consider before selecting your choice.

Date Format

There are widgets that will write out the complete date, with month, day, and year. Others use numbers and dashes. There are even other options, such as whether the year is presented in full or abbreviated form. Will you follow the style of writing the number of the month first and then the date, or reverse it? For instance, if it's February 22, 2008, you can find widgets that write the date as February 22nd, 02/22/2008, 22/02/2008, 02-22-08 and more.

Time Format

There are many scripts to create a 12-hour clock. You can also use a 24-hour clock to represent military time or to be more accessible to international visitors to your site. Times can appear in the style of a digital display. There are even a few codes that create a small animated clock with moving hands.

Other Choices

You can also offer several unique messages or features to site visitors, including:

• World clock displaying times in assorted time zones
• Time until a certain date, such as Christmas
• Greetings, such as "Good evening", based on the time of day the site is visited
• Specialized read-outs, such as a star date widget for Star Trek fans
• A fake counter that uses the current date to calculate a realistic-looking visitor count

Available Widgets

• JavaScript Kit offers a full catalog of Javascript date, time and calendar widget options. When you click on any listed widget, it will take you to a page with the necessary code, either written as text that can be copied and pasted, or in a downloadable format.
• JS Made Easy is another site with a large list of available scripts. Click on Get Source Code to copy and paste the code. In many cases, this link will also provide you with an example of the date, time or calendar set-up it creates. The Tell A Friend link gives you the option of emailing your discovery to a fellow programmer.
• Softpedia provides a pop-up Javascript calendar that you can add to any page.

Making Choices

Which widget you choose for your site is largely a matter of personal preference. There are a few points to consider in making your decision:

• Think carefully about why you want to add a Javascript date time and calendar widget. What purpose will it serve? Will it add functionality to your website?
• Choose colors that coordinate well with the overall design scheme.
• Make sure your choice fits the look and feel of the site. For instance, if the tone of a page is more formal, you will most likely want to use a basic date stamp, written in a standard black font. However, if you're creating a fun site for kids, you may want a colorful rainbow calendar or clock.
• The placement of your widget should be well integrated with the overall layout of the page. Your clock or calendar should fit seamlessly with all other content and not draw undue attention to itself.
• Most of these web tools are small enough that they won't impede download times or detract from your overall design. However, test your site to make sure that the new clock or calendar doesn't cause a glitch or slow down the entire site.