Defining multiple layouts

Most applications use a single layout for all their views. However, there are situations when multiple layouts are needed. For example, an application can use different layouts on different pages: two additional columns for blogs, one additional column for articles, and no additional columns for portfolios.

Getting ready

Create a new application using the Composer package manager, as described in the official guide at http://www.yiiframework.com/doc-2.0/guide-startinstallation.html.

How to do it…

1. Create two layouts in views/layouts: blog and articles. Blog will contain the following code:

   <?php $this->beginContent('//layouts/main')?>
       <div>
           <?= $content ?>
       </div>
       <div class="sidebar tags">
           <ul>
               <li><a href="#php">PHP</a></li>
               <li><a href="#yii">Yii</a></li>
           </ul>
       </div>
       <div class="sidebar links">...