Template

Template:Split Template:Selfref A template is some form of device to provide a separation of form or structure from content.

• In publishing for example, a template may be a predefined layout to give you an idea what to write where with boxes and lines; a single-page newsletter template (for instance), might have a few columns, space for a picture and gaps for the headline and name of the newsletter.
• Templates can be used by humans or by automated systems; many web-based software packages now use a templating system to separate the logic of the program from the displayed formatting. Typically, these templates will include variables (often denoted {VARIABLE} ), and possibly a few logical operators to allow better adaptability of the template. Examples of template engines are Cheetah, Smarty, Template::Toolkit and XSL Transformations.
• In generic programming, templates allow the programmer to save time and space in source code by simplifying code through overloading functions with an arbitrary type parameter.
• In genetics, a strand of DNA or RNA may serve as a template by specifying the base sequence of a newly synthesized strand of DNA or RNA.
• In planning orthopedic surgery procedures, templates are overlays placed on X-ray films of bones to determine the size of the implants needed in the operation.

See also

• Pattern
• Generic Programming
  • Document assembly software
  • Standard Template Library
  • Partial template specialisation
  • Template metaprogramming
• Web template
  • Template engine