I have some words on this topic... any developer that uses Smarty by decision should be taken out back and shot...
There is no need for Smarty, you can read a rant I wrote here:
http://blog.ericfilson.com/2009/12/s...t-of-my-house/
It's just not needed... you don't need a templating system for a fucking language which deals in templates... It's like telling a carpenter he needs to build a new machine that will build one piece of furniture for each piece of furniture he wants to make rather than just making the piece of furniture...
It offers NOTHING but a pain in the ass...