PHP vs template engine [closed]

Answer 1

The following article sum-up the different points of view about Template Engines for PHP.

Doing PHP templates of the third kind http://www.tinybutstrong.com/article_3rd_kind.html

Answer 2

My choice for any new project would probably be to simply use the templating capabilities of PHP, possibly in combination with an MVC framework, instead of using another templating engine. After all, for code simplicity or cleanliness of separation, it doesn't really matter whether you have {$myVar} or <?= $myVar ?> in your code. More complex templating features such as conditions, loops, or backend-technologies such as caching can be handled just as well (or better) by PHP or the MVC framework.

I have used both approaches (with and without a templating engine), but only in personal projects, never in team projects, so perhaps there are compelling arguments for the use of a templating engine in such a setting.

Answer 3

Since I asked this question, I have came across mustache. This is a logic-less template language.

So this is not the same as PHP or smarty where you have the possibility to add all sorts of logic to you template, but forces you to keep all the logic in something like view models.

This seems to me a better option then switching to template language where logic is still possible.

Answer 4

Using a template engine can be helpful if you have a non-programmer doing the templates. In many cases, the simplified template language can be easier for a non-programmer to pick up than PHP itself.

That said, I find myself moving away from using templates when it's just me (or me and other developers).

Answer 5

I don't know whether it is due VirtueMart, Joomla or the concept of templates in PHP, but adjusting VirtueMart to your own graphic theme is PURE HELL. (I'm not talking about plain CSS-styling.)

Answer 6

PHP coding features evolved, designing feature are the same, that's why if you work in a team with designers and developer you need a template engine to parallelize the job, and let the designers work with HTML.

My personal choice is Raintpl, because is lightweight, friendly and fast here a benchmark can help you choose (also smarty and savant are nice!):

http://www.raintpl.com/PHP-Template-Engines-Speed-Test/