template

template

(1) A pre-designed document or data file formatted for common purposes such as a fax, invoice or business letter. If the document contains an automated process, such as a word processing macro or spreadsheet formula, then the programming is already written and embedded in the appropriate places. It becomes a custom document after filling in the blanks with your data. See style sheet and document.

(2) A model of an application that is customized by the system designer. See template-based application.

(3) A plastic or stiff paper form placed over the function keys on a keyboard to identify their use.

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template, templet

1. a gauge or pattern, cut out in wood or metal, used in woodwork, etc., to help shape something accurately

2. a pattern cut out in card or plastic, used in various crafts to reproduce shapes

3. Biochem the molecular structure of a compound that serves as a pattern for the production of the molecular structure of another specific compound in a reaction

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(document processing)

template - A document that contains parameters, identified by some special syntax, that are replaced by actual arguments by the template processing system. For example: Dear , would like to invite you to a party at on at . 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.