templaten

Templaten is the Dutch term for templates, used to describe a structured text or document that combines fixed content with placeholders for variable data. In computing, templating refers to systems that generate output by merging a template with a data model. The resulting output can be a web page, an email, a configuration file, or source code.

Templating engines process templates and data to produce final documents or code. They are used in web development, document generation, localization, and automated reporting. A template typically contains literal text and special expressions or syntax that are replaced during rendering. This separation of content and presentation helps reuse and maintain consistent formatting across multiple outputs.

Common features include variables, blocks or sections, loops for iteration, and conditionals for simple logic. Many templating systems also support template inheritance or composition, allowing a base template to define structure and child templates to override parts. Templates can be plain text or markup files, with syntax designed to simplify data binding and rendering.

Examples of templating systems include Jinja2 (Python), Twig (PHP), Mustache and Handlebars (JavaScript), Liquid (used by Shopify), and EJS (JavaScript). While the specific syntax varies, the underlying idea remains the same: combine static content with dynamic data to produce customized output efficiently.

Advantages of templating include reuse, consistency, scalability, and easier localization. Potential drawbacks involve learning curves, security risks if untrusted data is rendered, and performance considerations for very large or complex templates. Best practices emphasize data escaping, input validation, and keeping templates focused on presentation rather than business logic.