PHP Tags in xtemplate?

Well, it depends.

What do you need it for?

If you need to override a theme function (or functions), you can do so by creating a .theme file in the same folder as the xtemplate.xtmpl, then placing code in it to still use your xtemplate for the functions it works with (_node, _command, _page, and _block)

You could place the following code at the top of your .theme file to accomplish this:

include_once('themes/engines/xtemplate/xtemplate.engine');
$theme_engine = 'xtemplate';
if (function_exists($theme_engine .'_init')) {
  call_user_func($theme_engine .'_init', $themes[$theme]);
}

When attempting to theme an item, Drupal will use the following precedence:
1st - look for function in the theme file
2nd - use template (if applicable)
3rd - use the default (non-themed) function

I did a little work on phptemplate a while back, as there were some missing vars, but now you can convert your xtemplate theme to phptemplate very quickly. I was going to write a small howto but I haven't gotten around to it.

I converted a fairly complex one the other day, and it only took me a couple of hours.

If you would like me too, send me your xtemplate theme, and I will convert it to phptemplate for you. and I will make some notes and create a howto.

Just send it to gordon@heydon.com.au
--
Gordon Heydon
Heydon Consulting