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=== Philosophy ===
=== Philosophy ===
When people make a template module like this one, they almost always start by inventing a special syntax for substitutions. For example, they build it so that a string like "%%VAR%%" is replaced with the value of $VAR. Then they realize the need extra formatting, so they put in some special syntax for formatting. Then they need a loop, so they invent a loop syntax. Pretty soon they have a new little template language.
When people make a template module like this one, they almost always start by inventing a special syntax for substitutions. For example, they build it so that a string like "%%VAR%%" is replaced with the value of $VAR. Then they realize the need extra formatting, so they put in some special syntax for formatting. Then they need a loop, so they invent a loop syntax. Pretty soon they have a new little template language.<br />
This approach has two problems: First, their little language is crippled. If you need to do something the author hasn’t thought of, you lose. Second: Who wants to learn another language? You already know Perl, so why not use it?
This approach has two problems: First, their little language is crippled. If you need to do something the author hasn’t thought of, you lose. Second: Who wants to learn another language? You already know Perl, so why not use it?<br />
"Text::Template" templates are programmed in Perl. You embed Perl code in your template, with "{" at the beginning and "}" at the end. If you want a variable interpolated, you write it the way you would in Perl. If you need to make a loop, you can use any of the Perl loop constructions. All the Perl built-in functions are available.
"Text::Template" templates are programmed in Perl. You embed Perl code in your template, with "{" at the beginning and "}" at the end. If you want a variable interpolated, you write it the way you would in Perl. If you need to make a loop, you can use any of the Perl loop constructions. All the Perl built-in functions are available.
