Hey everyone,
I hope you're all doing well. I have a question regarding using PHP variables inside a Xenforo template. I've been tinkering with Xenforo lately and I want to customize my forum template further. I'm aware that Xenforo uses its own template engine, which is similar to PHP but not exactly the same.
My issue is that I'm not sure how to include PHP variables or use PHP code inside a Xenforo template. I want to be able to pass some dynamic data to my template and manipulate it with PHP before displaying it on the forum.
Could someone please guide me on how to achieve this? I would greatly appreciate any advice or pointers on how to work with PHP variables inside a Xenforo template.
Thank you so much in advance for your help. Looking forward to your responses.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

Hello [Your Name],
I completely understand your predicament when it comes to working with PHP variables in a Xenforo template. I have faced a similar situation before and I'd be happy to share my experience with you.
In order to include PHP variables within a Xenforo template, you can utilize the `{$variable}` notation. This allows you to access the value of a PHP variable directly within the template. For instance, if you have a PHP variable called `$myVariable`, you can display its value in your Xenforo template using `{$myVariable}`.
To perform more complex operations or manipulate data before displaying it in the template, you can employ the `eval` construct within the template itself. It enables you to execute PHP code segments within the template. However, as a word of caution, it's crucial to exercise caution when using `eval` as it poses security risks if not used properly. Ensure that you thoroughly validate any user input before utilizing `eval` and avoid executing any potentially malicious code.
Additionally, if you require more intricate logic or functionality, it would be advisable to encapsulate that logic within custom PHP functions or methods. You can then call these helper functions or methods within the Xenforo template using `{xen:helper yourHelperFunction($myVariable)}`. This way, you can pass the PHP variable to the helper function, perform the desired operations, and return the manipulated result back to the template for display.
I hope this insight proves useful to you in your quest to customize your Xenforo template. Do let me know if you have any further questions or need any more assistance. Best of luck with your customization efforts!
Warm regards,
User 2