Help:How to use templates

From SN Guides

NOTE: Work in progress and not tested - do not use yet! Benjidog 13/11/07

Introduction

Put simply, a template is a chunk of material that can be re-used in multiple Directory entry. Rather than try and explain this in a theoretical manner we will look at practical examples which will be referred to as "Use Cases".

Use Case 1: A re-useable Directory entry outline for a ship

In this example a template has been created with a standard structure for a Directory entry for a ship. It includes a standard paragraph structure and a bulleted list for the basic facts and figures about the ship (Tonnage, dimensions, owner, engine size etc.).

This template can be copied into a new Directory entry to provide a standard structure, then the specific data can be entered.

The following link takes you to this template and includes instructions for use: Help:Standard template for a Directory outline for a ship

Use Case 2: A standard footer with hotspots

In this example, Steve Woodward created a set of Directory entries for Bellerophon class Battleships from WW1 and wanted to provide an easy way of jumping between the Directory entries for the four Battleships in the class.

This has been done by creating a template that includes a table with hotspots in it to jump to each of the different Directory entries. When you look at any of the Directory entries you see this at the bottom:

If you did not use a template, you would have to repeat the entry on each separate page and maintain it if it changes (e.g. because you add a Directory entry for another ship in the class). By creating a template you only have to do it once and if you change the template it automatically updates all the Directory entries that use it.

The following link provides a detailed explanation of how that particular example was created and how to create similar templates: Help:Standard footer template example