adesklets is a lightweight X11 program which provides the architecture for small applet

Applet

In computing, an applet is any small application that performs one specific task that runs within the scope of a larger program, often as a plug-in. An applet typically also refers to Java applets, i.e., programs written in the Java programming language that are included in a web page...

s (desktop widgets) to be placed on top of the user's desktop. The applets placed on the desktop are meant to be quick ways for the user to retrieve information and not get in the way of normal activity. More formally, it could be referred to as an interactive Imlib2 console for the X Window System. adesklets stands for another desklets container.

Desklets

The programs that are run inside adesklets are called desklets and are small Python

Python (programming language)

Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language whose design philosophy emphasizes code readability. Python claims to "[combine] remarkable power with very clear syntax", and its standard library is large and comprehensive...

 applets loaded into the adesklets daemon

Daemon (computer software)

In Unix and other multitasking computer operating systems, a daemon is a computer program that runs as a background process, rather than being under the direct control of an interactive user...

. Some of the available desklets include:

• Clock
  Clock
  A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument missing such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece...
  
  s
• Calendar
  Calendar
  A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial, or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years. The name given to each day is known as a date. Periods in a calendar are usually, though not...
  
  s
• Weather
• RSS feed aggregators
• Controls for other applications (such as XMMS
  XMMS
  The X Multimedia System is a free audio player for Unix-like systems.-History:XMMS was originally written as X11Amp by Peter and Mikael Alm in November 1997. The player was made to resemble Winamp, which was first released in May that year. As such, XMMS has supported Winamp 2 "classic" skins...
  
   and MPD Music Player Deamon)
• Animated toolbar
  Toolbar
  In a graphical user interface, on a computer monitor, a toolbar is a GUI widget on which on-screen buttons, icons, menus, or other input or output elements are placed. Toolbars are seen in office suites, graphics editors, and web browsers...
  
  s
• Desktop notes
  Desktop notes
  Desktop notes are computer applications that allow putting Post-it note-like windows on the screen, with reminders, short notes and other clippings...
  
  
• System monitors