Data Files

Data files allow you to separate data-binding logic from your main PHP code. They are executed within the template context ($this refers to the template instance).

1. Basic Usage

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

data.php:

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

2. Multiple Assignments

$this->pick('title')->content('Dashboard');
$this->pick('username')->content('Tamil');
$this->pick('role')->content('Admin');

3. Using PHP Logic

$user = ['name' => 'Tamil', 'role' => 'Admin'];

$this->pick('name')->content($user['name']);
$this->pick('role')->content($user['role']);

4. Loop Handling Inside Data File

$users = [
    ['name' => 'John'],
    ['name' => 'Jane']
];

foreach ($users as $u) {
    $item = $this->addLoopItem('users');
    $item->pick('name')->content($u['name']);
}

5. Nested Layout Interaction

Data files can modify child templates as well.

$admin = $this->slot('content', 'admin');
$admin->pick('title')->content('Admin Panel');

6. Include Handling

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

7. Passing External Data (Recommended Pattern)

Main PHP:

$data = ['title' => 'Dashboard'];

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

data.php:

$this->pick('title')->content($data['title'] ?? 'Default');

8. Execution Order

• Data files run before rendering
• They can modify slots, includes, loops

9. Multiple Data Files

$tpl->addDataFile('header.php');
$tpl->addDataFile('content.php');

👉 Executed in order

10. Common Mistakes

11. Best Practices

• Keep data files small and focused
• Use them for view logic only
• Avoid database queries inside data files
• Prefer passing prepared data from controller

12. Performance Notes

• Executed on every render
• Avoid heavy loops or computations

13. When to Use Data Files

• Complex page binding
• Reusable view logic
• Separating controller and view concerns

14. When NOT to Use

• Business logic
• Database queries
• Heavy processing

Data Store API (Advanced)

set(string $key, mixed $value)

Stores data in current template.

$this->set('title', 'Dashboard');

get(string $key, mixed $default = null)

Retrieves data (with parent inheritance).

$title = $this->get('title');

share(string $key, mixed $value)

Stores global data accessible across all templates.

$tpl->share('appName', 'My App');