PieTemplate VS Code Extension

PieTemplate is a Visual Studio Code extension that provides syntax highlighting and an improved editing experience for PHP-based template files using custom directives (Blade-like style) with the .pie.php extension.

This extension focuses purely on editor support — it does not render or execute templates.

✨ Features

• Syntax highlighting for .pie.php files
• Full HTML support with proper coloring
• PHP language support inside:
  • <?php ... ?>
  • <?= ... ?>
  • {{ ... }}
• Highlighting for Pie directives:
  • @if, @elseif, @else, @endif
  • @for, @foreach, @while
  • @endfor, @endforeach, @endwhile
  • @part, @endpart
  • @slot, @use
• Compatible with Intelephense for PHP IntelliSense
• Does not interfere with built-in HTML or PHP grammars

📂 File Extension

PieTemplate is automatically enabled for files with the following extension:

.pie.php

🧠 Example

<div class="card">
  @if($user)
    <h3>{{ $user->name }}</h3>
  @else
    <span>Guest</span>
  @endif
</div>

Editor behavior:

• HTML is highlighted normally
• Pie directives are colored as keywords
• {{ ... }} is treated as PHP expression
• PHP variables and functions are recognized by Intelephense

🎨 Language Mode

This extension registers a custom language in VS Code:

PieTemplate

If it is not selected automatically:

1. Open a .pie.php file
2. Click the language selector (bottom-right corner)
3. Choose PieTemplate

⚠️ Important Notes

Do NOT use files.associations

Avoid adding the following configuration to your settings.json:

"files.associations": {
  "*.pie.php": "php"
}

This will:

• Disable PieTemplate grammar
• Remove directive highlighting
• Prevent PieTemplate language from activating

Let VS Code handle the language automatically.

🧩 Scope & Limitations

This extension does not:

• Render or compile templates
• Validate directive pairing (@if / @endif)
• Replace Blade or other PHP template engines

This extension only enhances editor experience:

• Readability
• Syntax structure
• PHP IntelliSense inside templates

🛠️ Technology

• TextMate Grammar (.tmLanguage.json)
• Built-in VS Code HTML grammar
• Built-in VS Code PHP grammar
• Intelephense for PHP IntelliSense

🚀 Roadmap

• Directive snippets
• Directive autocomplete
• Basic formatter for PieTemplate
• Improved nested directive scopes
• Directive pairing hints

🤝 Contributing

Contributions and ideas are welcome.

This extension is suitable for:

• Custom PHP frameworks
• Experimental template engines
• Learning VS Code extension development

📜 License

MIT License