Pros of Twig

• More feature-rich with advanced templating capabilities like template inheritance, macros, and filters
• Extensive documentation and large community support
• Sandbox mode for improved security when working with user-submitted templates

Cons of Twig

• Steeper learning curve due to its custom syntax and extensive features
• Slightly slower performance compared to native PHP templates
• Requires compilation step, which can add complexity to the development process

Code Comparison

Twig:

{% extends "layout.html" %}
{% block content %}
    <h1>{{ title }}</h1>
    <ul>
    {% for item in items %}
        <li>{{ item.name }}</li>
    {% endfor %}
    </ul>
{% endblock %}

Plates:

<?php $this->layout('layout') ?>

<h1><?=$this->e($title)?></h1>
<ul>
<?php foreach ($items as $item): ?>
    <li><?=$this->e($item['name'])?></li>
<?php endforeach ?>
</ul>

Twig uses a custom syntax with tags and filters, while Plates uses native PHP syntax within templates. Twig offers more advanced features and better separation of logic from presentation, but Plates provides a simpler, more familiar approach for PHP developers with potentially better performance.

Pros of Smarty

• Extensive caching system for improved performance
• Rich set of built-in functions and modifiers
• Supports template inheritance and widget-like components

Cons of Smarty

• Steeper learning curve due to its own template syntax
• Slower execution compared to native PHP templates
• Requires compilation step, which can add complexity

Code Comparison

Smarty:

{if $name eq 'Fred'}
    Welcome, {$name}!
{else}
    Welcome, Guest!
{/if}

Plates:

<?php if ($name === 'Fred'): ?>
    Welcome, <?=$this->e($name)?>!
<?php else: ?>
    Welcome, Guest!
<?php endif ?>

Smarty uses a custom syntax that separates logic from presentation, while Plates uses native PHP syntax within templates. Smarty's approach can be more readable for designers but requires learning a new syntax. Plates leverages existing PHP knowledge, making it easier for developers to work with, but may be less accessible to non-PHP developers.

Both templating engines offer similar functionality, but Smarty provides more built-in features and a higher level of abstraction. Plates, on the other hand, offers a simpler, lightweight approach that stays close to native PHP, potentially resulting in better performance and easier integration with existing PHP codebases.