Can someone please explain the difference between a custom template & custom view?

In addition I don't understand how a custom view knows which custom template or any
template to load for that matter.

I've read all of the documentation under the knowledge base and can't find much information
regarding the relationship between Custom Views & Templates.

I don't believe the documentation has been updated to explain the new template manager that was introduced in AS 1.6. We will get that updated tomorrow for the 1.7 release. In the meantime, let me try and give you a simple answer.
A custom template is a template that you would create that replaces one of the default templates provided with the installation package. If you wanted to completely change the layout for the MembersList you would create a custom template. Here is a quick video that provides the steps for creating a custom template.
http://screencast.com/t/ODk4YmFmZWM

A custom view allows for greater control, but can be a little more complicated. A custom view doesn't have access to the Social View Settings as a custom template does. A custom view also allows you to load other asp.net controls or even 3rd-party modules using the module loader control. Here is a quick video showing how to create a custom view using the the event template I posted earlier.
http://screencast.com/t/YzNhMTFmZT

Hope that helps.

Will

Hi Will,

What would be the best way to create a template based on your own sql query/datasource that would still allow access to the AS controls etc?

Is there anything in the api to help with this?

I am specifically thinking of ways to incoporate my geodata with standard AS data to provide for eample a list of groups in a 20 mile radius of my profile addess.

I can do the sql and can even present it using one of the 3rd party modules such as sql grid etc.

I am looking for an AS way to do it.

So... do I understand correctly that a only 1 Theme can be chosen for any/all AS modules?
And... any changes to the templates in a theme are also applied to ALL GROUPS?
And ... Custom Views can't use different themes or templates?

Yes, only one theme can be used at a time. However, you can create new or different templates for any custom view, and change the current templates for existing views. You can have different templates based on group type.

This is what I'm trying to do, but for the life of me, after watching the custom views video and reading everything (I can search for) a few times, I'm still unclear HOW to create different 'tabs' for different group types.

Are there any posts you know of, or can you give some steps?