using PHP in templates

[Dr.CustUmz]

ok I have been out of the scene for a LONG time, I'm working on a new product, and im just having a huge brain fart.

Im trying to use php in a template I have created what I want to convert to a product in PHP, an example of my source is

PHP Code:

<div class="blah">
<?php 
$i=0;
foreach($result as $row) if ($i < 10+1) {
?>
<div class="thing">
  <span class="stuff"><?php echo number_format($row['stuff']);?></span>
</div>
<?php $i +=1;
} ?>
</div>

I know I cant use php in a template of a product, but what I cant remember is how to create a variable that would equal the php so i can pull that into the template.

Im brain farting so hard.

Global Plugin:

PHP Code:

$var = '$i=0; foreach($result as $row) if ($i < 10+1) {';
$var2 = 'echo number_format($row['stuff']);';
$var3 = '$i +=1; }'; 


Template

<div class="blah">
$var
<div class="thing">
  <span class="stuff">$var2</span>
</div>
$var3
</div>

[Dave]

That would only work if the variables were evaluated to PHP code, but they are not.
In vBulletin, they would loop in a PHP script and then call the template that would contain:

<div class="thing">
  <span class="stuff"><?php echo number_format($row['stuff']);?></span>
</div>

To render what is needed.

[Dr.CustUmz]

scratch this, my brain un farted lol. Im going about this wrong, i need to create a plugin with this PHP/HTML in it, and give that the variable, then use that variable in the template..... if that makes sence