bind(string $layout): self

Loads the base layout file.

Parameters:

• $layout – Layout file name (without path)

Returns: CandidTemplateAdaptor

$tpl = (new CandidTemplateAdaptor('views'))
    ->bind('layout.html');

slot(string $slot, string $page, ?string $path = null): CandidTemplate

Injects a template into a layout slot.

Parameters:

• $slot – Slot name (data-slot)
• $page – Template file name
• $path – Optional subfolder

Returns: CandidTemplate (child template)

$admin = $tpl->slot('content', 'admin');
$dashboard = $admin->slot('content', 'dashboard');

include(string $selector, string $page, ?string $path = null): CandidTemplate

Replaces a DOM element using CSS selector.

Parameters:

• $selector – CSS selector (#id recommended)
• $page – Template file

$header = $tpl->include('#header', 'header');
$header->pick('username')->content('Tamil');

pick(string $key): CandidElement

Selects an element for modification.

Supported selectors:

• id
• name
• tag

$tpl->pick('title')->content('Hello');

content(mixed $value): self

Sets inner content of element.

$tpl->pick('title')->content('Welcome');

replace(mixed $value): self

Replaces entire element.

$tpl->pick('title')->replace('<h1>New</h1>');

attribute(string $name, mixed $value): self

Sets HTML attribute.

$tpl->pick('btn')
    ->attribute('class', 'btn btn-primary')
    ->attribute('disabled', true);

addLoopItem(string $key): CandidTemplate

Adds a new loop instance.

$item = $tpl->addLoopItem('users');

$item->pick('name')->content('John');

addDataFile(string $file): void

Loads external PHP file for data assignment.

$tpl->addDataFile('data.php');

// data.php
$this->pick('title')->content('Loaded');

render(): string

Renders final HTML output.

echo $tpl->build()->render();