Curly brackets format technique ( {$likeThis} ) of PHP variables - is it a standard?

You know the technique you use of embedding variables encased in curly brackets in the template files {$likeThis} to reference functions on the index page? Is that a standard php technique? If so can you point me to the part of the manual or a tutorial that deals with it? Thanks.

It's not a standart PHP technique, but it is allowed also in PHP, to use such kind of brackets, when working with string variables. Example:

<?php

$a='a';
$b="b{$a}";
echo $b;

//produces output "ba"

echo <<<out
The first letter of alphabet is {$a}.
out;

//produces "The first letter of alphabet is a."

?>

miniBB uses special parsing function, to get these variables out.

OK. Thanks.