Variables in templates

[lowey]

Hi there,

I'm trying to optimize some processes and for that I need to know if it's possible to have variables inside of templates.

Now, I know about conditionals and stuff, but what I want to achieve is typing less code while manually updating some custom slider-templates or having these templates update automatically.

A SIMPLE EXAMPLE:

<ul id="slider">
  <li>
  <a class="featured-item_1" href="showthread.php?t=4468" title="Title">
  <span class="slide-caption">Title</span></a>
  </li>    
</ul>

Instead of manually having to insert TITLE twice, I'd love to have it show up in both positions automatically - after having entered it once.

The optimal thing would be extracting the thread-ID and title of each thread marked as featured item, so that it shows up automatically.

Do I make sense?
Thanks!