Creating list(custom code)

[PanelCrafters]

I've got several non-vB modules which are custom code, and I'm creating templates for them. What I would like to know, is how to display a dynamic list(may be 1 item, may be 100 items). I see something named $childforumbits at the end of some templates. What does this puppy do(and where is it)?

I know there is a way to 'link' templates together depending on the number of items to display, I just haven't found it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
....jc