Use @loader_path instead of @executable_path

If the Widget plugin is not at @executable_path, it will not be able to find a framework via @executable_path/../Frameworks/... So how can you load a framework in a Widget plugin.

The solution is to use @loader_path instead of @executable_path.

(from the dashboard-dev mailing list)

Mac OS X 10.5: Dashboard widgets issues with Parental Controls and Fast User Switching enabled

According to this Apple's Knowledge Base article, Fast User Switch and Parental Controls may cause malfunctions to Dashboard.

The "Open With" menu

Sometimes the "Open With" menu contains double (or even more) entries.

What you have to do to correct it is to run the following command from the terminal:

/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Versions/A/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user

The following images show the "before and after" of the "Open With" menu :-)

Reading Existing Widgets

I am a frequent and proud member of Apple Discussions.

I often read questions about certain Widget programming techniques. What I usually answer is to check existing Widgets that implement that particular technique.

So, if you want to implement a given technique, first, search for existing Widgets that contain that technique. It can save you a great amount of time!

Did you find the above information helpful? You will find a lot more information in my eBook "Programming Dashboard Widgets". You can buy it here.