Types of gadgets

A dashboard displays data from BIRT data objects in various gadgets, such as lists, tables, cross tabs, charts, and Adobe Flash objects. BIRT gadgets also embed BIRT document and design files, and external HTML-based content.

Figure 3-18 shows the layout of a BIRT Gadget.

Figure 3-18  BIRT Gadget structure

Each gadget has different ways to interact with the information it displays. BIRT Dashboard gadgets are divided into the following categories:

n	Report gadgets

Embeds a complete or partial BIRT document or design file.

n	Extras gadgets

n	Displays HTML formatted text.

n	Displays an external web page, image, video, or embedded HTML and JavaScript code.

n	Displays an external Actuate Gadget file or Google Gadget file.

n	Data visualization gadgets

Displays BIRT Data Objects in charts, tables, cross tabs, Adobe Flash objects, and Adobe Flex table.

n	Data selection gadgets

Displays user selection choices, for example: lists, check boxes, sliders, calendars and data version. User choices filter data in linked gadgets.

The maximize and menu icons are not visible when the gadget header is not shown. Users can also double-click the gadget title to maximize the gadget or right-click the title to see the gadget menu.

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