The term template has several meanings in computer science. All relate to a means of summarizing information in a standard form, to eliminate the repetitive addition of information.

A template can be a plastic or paper diagram designed to fit over a computer keyboard. Displayed on the template are the meanings of specific keys--such as the F series at the top of a standard keyboard--for a particular program. This display of information can speed up the keying in and processing of data.

A related type of template is used for a digitizing tablet, a combination of an electronic tablet and an electronic pen (or stylus), which is used to enter drawing and sketches into a computer. Here, the template is typically a plastic sheet that has menus and command boxes drawn on it. Menus and commands can be selected by positioning the stylus over the appropriate box and...