template (text) A document that contains parameters, identified by some special syntax, that are replaced by actual arguments by the template processing system. For example:
Dear <guest>, <host> would like to invite you to a party at <location> on <date> at <time>.
Where the words in angle brackets are the parameters to be replaced by the name of an actual guest, etc. More sophisticated systems allow repetition, where a section is repeated in a single output document using a list of inputs; conditional sections or (nested) inclusion of other templates. See also class template. Last updated: 2007-10-14