Smarty is a template engine for PHP. More specifically, it facilitates a manageable way to separate application logic and content from its presentation. This is best described in a situation where the application programmer and the template designer play different roles, or in most cases is not the same person.

PEAR is short for “PHP Extension and Application Repository” and is pronounced just like the fruit. It is a repository of PHP software code. The PEAR project was founded in 1999 by Stig S. Bakken to promote the re-use of code that performs common functions.