What are tpl files PHP web design

Question

Someone wants me to revamp a PHP-powered website (VideoCMS). But instead of giving me *.php files when I asked him to email me the source, he gave me *.tpl files. They include a certain amount of code:

{include file='header.tpl' p="article"}

<br />
<table width="886" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
  <tr>
    <td width="150" valign="top">
    <div id="reg_box">
    <h3 class="captions">{$lang.articles}</h3>
        <div id="list_cats">
        <ul>
            {$article_categories}
        </ul>
        </div>
    </div>
    <br />
    <div id="reg_box">
    <h3 class="captions">{$lang.members}</h3>
    {if $logged_in == '1'}
    {include file='loggedin_body.tpl'}
    {else}
    {include file='login_body.tpl'}
    {/if}

Or

{include file='header.tpl' p="index"}

{php} $_SESSION['isFair'] = "Yes"; {/php}

What's the interpreter of the code? How can I redesign this site?

Answer 1

To me, that looks like Smarty. A PHP template parser called Smarty is used. The documentation for Smarty includes information on how to utilize it.

If you are unable to access the source of the CMS: Look at the variables Smarty is utilizing, then write a PHP file that fills them with fictitious data so you can view the templates in your browser.

If my memory serves me correctly, after setting up Smarty, you can use:

$smarty->assign('nameofvar', 'some data');

To set the variables.