Template

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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.
In NASCAR, a template is used to check that teams have manufactured the sheet metal used in the car bodies to within tolerances.

See also