ee-template-assistant

name: ee-template-assistant description: Help with ExpressionEngine template development, syntax, Stash tags, and conditional logic. Use when working with EE templates, template groups, or debugging template rendering issues. allowed-tools: Read, Grep, Glob

ExpressionEngine Template Assistant

What This Skill Does

Assists with developing, debugging, and optimizing ExpressionEngine templates including:

• Template syntax and tag usage
• Stash add-on advanced caching and variable management
• Conditional logic and template variables
• Performance optimization with template-level caching
• Bilingual template structure (English/French)

When to Use This Skill

Ask when you need help with:

• Writing or debugging EE template code
• Understanding Stash tag syntax or behavior
• Implementing template conditionals
• Caching strategies in templates
• Template organization in template groups
• Variable passing between templates

Key ExpressionEngine Concepts

Template Structure

Templates are stored in: /system/user/templates/{{TEMPLATE_GROUP}}/

• Templates are organized by template groups (home, about, care, etc.)
• Stash add-on manages advanced template caching and variable sharing
• Bilingual support built into template structure

Common Stash Tags

• {exp:stash:set} - Set variables in cache
• {exp:stash:get} - Retrieve cached variables
• {exp:stash:append} - Append to cached variables
• {exp:stash:parse} - Parse templates with cached context

Template Variables

• {title} - Page title
• {content} - Main content area
• {lang} - Current language (en/fr)
• Structure variables for navigation

Instructions

1. For syntax help: Reference the SYNTAX_GUIDE.md for common tag patterns
2. For examples: Check EXAMPLES.md for real-world template patterns
3. For debugging: Use Read and Grep to examine template files
4. For optimization: Apply Stash best practices from BEST_PRACTICES.md

Best Practices

• Use Stash caching to reduce database queries
• Keep template files focused on single responsibilities
• Use conditionals to handle bilingual content
• Test template changes with both language versions
• Document custom variables and their scope

Common Patterns

See EXAMPLES.md for:

• Conditional rendering based on language
• Navigation generation with Structure add-on
• Content blocks with Stash
• File upload integration