Jinja provides a django-like non-xml syntax and compiles templates into executable python code. it's basically a combination of django templates and python code.

philosophy: application logic is for the controller but don't try to make the life for the template designer too hard by giving him too few functionality.

features:
* simple api.
* extremely lightweight.
* the whole engine is completely sandboxed. a template designer won't be able
to modify application data or execute dangerous code
* you can use nearly every python expression. not supported are the binary
operators and list comprehensions / generator expressions.
* uses the same concept for inheritance django uses. it's very powerful
and easy to understand.
* provides so called macros that allow you to put often used template
snippets into callable blocks
* designer friendly. jinja simplifies many things for a template designer.
loops can be used in a recursive way, filters are available to format
values, loops know about their iteration etc.
* dynamic syntax. you don't like the django block syntax? you can override
the syntax elements on environment initialisation. it's no problem to use
asp/php/ruby syntax, html comments for blocks etc.