What are the advantages of using a single base template with extends in Smarty for managing content and navigation in PHP applications?

When managing content and navigation in PHP applications, using a single base template with extends in Smarty can provide several advantages. This approach allows for a consistent layout across all pages, making it easier to update and maintain the design. It also simplifies the process of adding or modifying navigation elements, as changes only need to be made in one central location. Additionally, using extends in Smarty helps reduce code duplication and promotes a more organized and structured approach to building web applications. 

```php
// Example of using a single base template with extends in Smarty

// Include Smarty library
require_once('libs/Smarty.class.php');

// Initialize Smarty
$smarty = new Smarty();

// Assign variables to be used in the template
$smarty->assign('title', 'My Website');
$smarty->assign('content', 'Welcome to my website!');

// Display the base template with content and navigation
$smarty->display('base.tpl');
```
In this example, the `base.tpl` file serves as the main template that includes the common layout structure, such as header, footer, and navigation. The content specific to each page is assigned to variables and then displayed within the base template using the `extends` feature in Smarty. This approach helps streamline the process of managing content and navigation in PHP applications.

Keywords

Smarty base template extends content management navigation management

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