XF 2.3 Can I call template contents from a controller?

[mjda]

I'm trying to auto-create a new thread when I add a new entity in my add-on. However, I can't use a phrase for the thread message because some variables may not exist so I need to be able to use <xf:if /> code. So, I was thinking how about using a template, such as something like this:

protected function getThreadMessage()
    {
        $category = $this->category;
        $entity = $this->entity;
        
        $message = \XF::someWayToGetTemplateContents($entity);
        
        return $message;
    }

The question is, is this even possible? If so, how?

...or, is there a better way to do what I'm wanting to do?

 

[Jeremy P]

However, I can't use a phrase for the thread message because some variables may not exist so I need to be able to use <xf:if /> code.

You should be able to just use regular PHP if-statements. It's technically possible to render a template but but that shouldn't be necessary here.

 

[mjda]

You should be able to just use regular PHP if-statements. It's technically possible to render a template but but that shouldn't be necessary here.

I was trying to avoid hard-coding any of the language. For example, the message will say "{$username} created a new entity in {$category}". Then after that it will go through checking if certain parts are there and, if so, add a line that says "Some title: Content\nSome other title: More content", etc...

If I do that in PHP, there's no way folks could change the wording later on without altering the code. I suppose I could just create a new phrase for each line and only include it if needed. Maybe I'll try that. Sorry, just thinking in text here...

Thanks!

 

[Jeremy P]

I'd still strongly recommend using phrases for any prose, though you can technically render any template anywhere:

$contents = \XF::app()->templater()->renderTemplate('public:some_template', $params);

 

[mjda]

I'd still strongly recommend using phrases for any prose, though you can technically render any template anywhere:

$contents = \XF::app()->templater()->renderTemplate('public:some_template', $params);

Yeah, I think I'm going to just take the approach of just calling multiple phrases, where needed. I just didn't think of doing that before. Maybe I've been sitting here too long today.