I am proposing a theme engine that relies on blocks, rather than flat files.
<snip> > My node solution simply replaces the > .tpl.php files with nodes managed in the database. Two thoughts spring to mind. Firstly that (from what I've read) querying the database is often one of the bottlenecks in Drupal - is that not going to create a performance problem.
Definitely. Going to the database multiple times per page MORE than we have now will be a bottle neck.
It might facilitate an inline theme 'editor' though, I know some people like that idea.
Maybe we can have a hybrid approach: Use the database to design the layout and its components, then have a "generate" button that would convert that finished design to flat files.
Secondly. I have all this useful software with great features like syntax highlighting, code completion, code folding, integrated access to reference manuals etc. How do I bring those tools to bear on a tpl in a database? Not an insurmountable problem, and perhaps not even relevant to the people your idea is aimed at, but still, I pose the question ;)
Good point ...